Understandin Your Bod FACTS TO HELP YO HELP YOURSELF Loosening The Painful Grip Of Arthritis (NAPSA)—Morethan 43 million Americanshavearthritis. It is the leading cause of disabilit among Americans over 15 and affects 60 percent of the U.S. population over 65. If it’s left untreated, people with arthritis can experience constant pain, which can be extreme at times and affect activities of dail life such as working, walking and sleeping. Arthritis causes inflammation, pain andstiffness in the joints and connective tissues such as muscles, cartilage, ligaments and tendons. The condition is chronic, and can cause cartilage and bone to deteriorate over time. Usuall, arthritis will cause stiffness, rigidit and tissue damage.In addition, the muscles surrounding the joint weaken as mobilit decreases, further injuring the joints. There are more than 100 rheumatic diseases classified as arthritis, and each tpe has a distinct set of characteristic smptoms. The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which ma afflict as man as 18 million Americans, including 80 percent of Americans over 75. It occurs when bone cartilage breaks down and stops protecting the ends of the bones. The rubbing together of the bones deforms the joint and causes bone spurs, leading to ach, swollen joints. Pain can be one of the most difficult aspects of dealing with he : Over 43 million Americans suffer from arthritis. arthritis. Optimal care for people with arthritis means determining what can be done to slow or correct the underling disorder. According to the Arthritis Foundation, it is important that ou get our condition diagnosed and treated as earl as possible. Most treatment regimens include a combination of exercise, weight control, joint protection, phsical and occupational therap and medication. Research has shown that phsical activit decreases pain, improves function and delas disabilit. Tr to get at least 30 minutes of moderate phsical activit at least three das a week. Your doctor ma be able to help ou deal with chronic pain if ou tell him or her ou are experiencing it. For more information, go to www.partnersagainstpain.com.
