National Arthritis Awareness Month At Melody Living

​It’s National Arthritis Awareness Month, a month to learn about the different types of arthritis, symptoms, causes, and treatments.

Education about arthritis can help to diagnose and support individuals in finding the right treatment plan as arthritis affects every individual differently. Because of this, treatment plans are vastly different from person to person.
 
Arthritis is categorized as the inflammation of one or more joints which causes stiffness and pain in the joints affected. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis that impacts more than 50 million Americans, which is about 1 in every 5 adults.

​Arthritis worsens joints over time, often leading to disability due to pain, swelling, and difficulty with movement.

​The two most common forms of arthritis are Osteoarthritis which affects 32.5 million adults in the U.S. and Rheumatoid Arthritis which affects 1.3 million adults in the U.S.

Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage between joints to break down over time while Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes one’s immune system to attack the joints.
 
There are many risk factors that can lead to someone developing arthritis. The likelihood of developing many forms of arthritis develops with age.

Women are more likely to develop Rheumatoid Arthritis, while men are more likely to develop another form of arthritis known as Gout. 

​There are many risk factors that can lead to someone developing arthritis. The likelihood of developing many forms of arthritis develops with age. Women are more likely to develop Rheumatoid Arthritis, while men are more likely to develop another form of arthritis known as Gout.
 
Family history can factor in as there are several types of arthritis that are genetic. Additionally, if you’ve suffered a previous injury to any joint, you’re more likely to develop arthritis in that joint. There are also several types of arthritis where the cause of development is unknown. 

While there is no cure for arthritis at this time, there are a variety of ways to treat and manage arthritis.

Common over-the-counter pain relief medications, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen are often recommended to help manage pain.
 
Hot and cold treatments have also proven helpful for many living with arthritis. It is recommended to switch between the two and focus on cold treatments when there is swelling.

​Other treatments include immobilizing the joint utilizing a splint to limit movement and allow the joint to rest and massage to increase blood flow.
 
Give us a call at 847.957.7070 to reach our community to schedule your VIP tour of our retirement community in Lake in the Hills. Check out the floor plans of our luxury assisted living apartment and luxury memory care apartments.
 
A Life in Harmony™ is waiting for you at Melody Living!