Contrary to popular belief, arthritis isn’t a single disease. It’s a term used to refer to joint pain or joint disease. According to the National Arthritis Foundation, there are more than 100 different types of arthritis and related conditions. People of all ages, sexes and races have arthritis, and it’s the leading cause of disability in America.
April is Arthritis Awareness Month. Bayhealth Primary Care Sports Medicine Physician Melissa Mackel, DO, CAQSM, said weight loss and muscle strengthening can decrease the risk of developing arthritis. When the joint symptoms of arthritis are mild or moderate, they can be managed with regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and strengthening the muscles around the joint for added support.
“A recent study showed a 40 percent improvement in both pain and physical abilities of those with arthritis who exercise,” she said. “The more staggering statistic is that only about 10 percent of those with arthritis choose this option and one-third of those with arthritis don't report any physical activity at all in their spare time.”
Dr. Mackel recommends going for daily walks and using strengthening equipment like rubber resistance bands to build lean muscle mass. “When it comes to arthritis the 'move it or lose it' motto holds true in regards to range of motion and function,” she said. “Exercise is the first thing we recommend to help decrease the symptoms and slow the progression of the disease.”
While there are other unalterable factors that contribute to arthritis such as gender, age, genetics, and injury, Bayhealth Orthopaedics offers a myriad of treatment options that are both non-operative and operative. For those with mild pain, Dr. Mackel suggests different types of in-office consultations for strengthening exercises and nutrition counseling. For patients with more severe pain, she offers injections such as a corticosteroid or Viscosupplementation, custom bracing to help offload the affected joint, or meeting with an experienced joint replacement specialist.
For more information on treatment options, visit bayhealth.org/orthopaedics. To find a Bayhealth physician to fit your needs, call 1-866-Bay-Docs to learn about providers in your area.
