Growing numbers suffering arthritis-linked pain

The Center for Disease Control estimates that arthritis affects more than 45 million Americans, with more than half of the population over the age of 65 suffering from some form of the disease. Osteoarthritis is the most common form, causing the pain and inflammation in our joints that too many of us are familiar with.

The condition is caused by the breakdown of cartilage in the joint. Cartilage acts as a shock-absorber for our joints, protecting them from damage by its springiness and elasticity.

With osteoarthritis, the cartilage looses these qualities, causing stiffness and irritation in the joint and making it more susceptible to injury and damage.

Though osteoarthritis can appear in any joint in the body, it is most common in weight-bearing joints, such as knees, hips, neck and the spine, or joints that have been subject to repetitive use such as in the fingers and wrists. This disease primarily affects older adults, but it can also affect younger people — especially those who have suffered a traumatic joint injury.

Many athletes — skiers, runners, tennis players, etc. — are diagnosed with arthritis at a relatively young age due to the extreme wear-and-tear on their joints.

Your chances of developing osteoarthritis are greater if there is a family history of the disease, you are overweight or clinically obese, you have had a joint injury in the past, or you have repetitively overused your joints.

Treatment for osteoarthritis varies depending on the person's age, activity level, medical history, and the location and severity of the condition.

Common pain relieving treatments can include hot and/or cold compresses, and the use of devices such as joint braces or canes.

Both prescription and over-the-counter medications can be used for pain control, but be sure you talk to your physician before taking any medications on a regular basis.

Exercise can be very effective at relieving symptoms of osteoarthritis. Though this may seem like a contradiction in terms, exercising the affected joint can actually help prevent stiffness and weakness. Without exercise, lack of muscle strength and tone may cause your arthritis to progress at a faster rate as more pressure is placed on the joint itself.

Proper stretching techniques and strength-training can help osteoarthritis patients to regain and improve joint function and range of motion, improve posture and balance, help control weight and prevent arthritis from spreading or forming in other joints. Low-impact exercise such as cycling and swimming can be very beneficial for patients who have trouble with other activities due to knee or hip pain.

It is always important to talk to your physician before starting any exercise program. If you have special limitations, or would like the support and knowledge of a professional to help you get started, there are several options available.

You could talk to your physician about seeing a physical therapist to help design a work-out plan that is specific to your needs. Or, you could enroll in a class like Bonner General Hospital's adult exercise class, which is run and supervised by registered nurses.

For many people with osteoarthritis, pain may increase after activity, making the thought of exercising unwelcome to say the least. But, with the right preventive measures such as applying heat or ice to the affected area, stretching, and taking pain relievers if needed, the long-term benefits of exercise can outweigh the risk of discomfort.

Always be sure to listen to your body. If your joints begin to hurt, take a break and rest for a while.

If needed, you can wear a brace to help relieve pressure on the joint. Also, be sure to stop if you experience any sharp or unusual pain as this can indicate an injury which may need a doctor's attention.

Osteoarthritis can be a serious and debilitating disease, but with the right attitude and a little hard work, we can help keep symptoms at bay and lead a normal, active life.