May is Arthritis Awareness Month! During this month, our team at AFC Urgent Care Gastonia wants you to understand your risk for arthritis, as well as steps you can take to alleviate pain associated with the medical condition.
Am I at Risk for Arthritis?
There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
When it comes to osteoarthritis, age is a huge factor, as osteoarthritis is caused by the normal wear and tear of joints as we age. Therefore, as we age, we become more at risk for osteoarthritis. On the other hand, women are more likely than men to experience rheumatoid arthritis, which is when the immune system starts to attack the lining of your joints.
Symptoms of Arthritis
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Redness
- Decreased range of motion
What Is the Best Way to Treat Arthritis?
If you begin to experience arthritis pain, there are a number of steps you can take in order to start finding relief from the medical condition that affects millions. First, you can try taking over-the-counter, anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and naproxen.
In addition to medication, there are many lifestyle changes you can make to try to find relief from arthritis pain. For starters, maintaining a healthy weight can help you to avoid putting added pressure on your joints, which can increase your risk of pain from arthritis.You also cannot underestimate the power of exercise when it comes to arthritis relief.
Good Exercises for Arthritis
- Stretching
- Walking
- Tai chi and yoga
- Pilates
- Water exercises
- Cycling
- Strength training
- Hand exercises
AFC Urgent Care Gastonia is now offering AFC TeleCare services to better serve the needs of our patients while continuing to practice social distancing. Schedule a virtual visit today!
