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Arthritis Awareness Month

September is Arthritis Awareness Month!

Some fast facts:

  • Arthritis is common. In fact, 1 in 5 Canadians have arthritis. 

  • Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It affects Canadians at a rate higher than all other forms of arthritis combined. 

  • Arthritis is not an “old person disease.” In fact, nearly 1/3 of all people with osteoarthritis are diagnosed before the age of 45. 

What is arthritis?

Arthro = joint

Itis = inflammation

Arthritis is a term that describes inflammation (redness and swelling that causes pain and stiffness) in the joints or other areas of the body. It is a chronic condition, meaning it affects people on an ongoing basis over time. 

What are the different types of arthritis?

There are many types of arthritis and they are often considered to fall into one of two categories: Osteoarthritis and Inflammatory Arthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA)

  • The most common type of arthritis

  • The breakdown of cartilage (the tough material that protects the ends of bones) causing pain, stiffness and swelling of the affected joint. These changes begin to occur when the body’s natural repair processes can no longer keep up with either the natural age-related changes of joints or when otherwise healthy joints are exposed to heavy workloads over long periods of time. 

  • The most commonly affected joints are the knee, hip, hands, and spine. 

Inflammatory Arthrtis (IA)

  • Joint damage occurs due to inflammation rather than a breakdown of cartilage. 

  • Most IA types are also auto-immune diseases - when the body’s defence system attacks healthy tissue - in this case, the defence system begins to attack the tissue of joints.

  • Overtime, joints may gradually change shape and deformities can develop. 

  • Examples of IA: lupus, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis. 

What are some strategies to help manage arthritis?

  • Keep moving! It is a misconception that a painful joint always requires rest. Light to moderate activity protects joints by strengthening the muscles around them, increasing blood flow to the joint, and helping promote normal joint regeneration. Exercise can also improve the ability to manage pain. Gentle stretching, intelligent strengthening, and low impact activities like walking, cycling, Tai Chi, and yoga are good options. Seeking the advice of a physiotherapist to tailor a program just for your needs and to ensure you’re on the right track is even better. 

  • Alternate heavy/repetitive tasks with lighter ones.

  • Take regular breaks.

  • Keep items at waist height when lifting or carrying objects.

  • Use helpful tools as needed such as: reachers, canes, raised seating, and grips on kitchen tools.

  • Work on improving or maintaining your posture.

  • Heat and cold application such as a warm shower or a cold pack.

  • Eat well to maintain a healthy body weight. 

  • Develop relaxation skills through deep breathing exercises, visualization, meditation, journaling, and gratitude to keep a positive outlook.

At Comox Physio, we’d love to help you learn more about your arthritic condition and work with you on how to best manage it. Book your session by:

Calling: 250.339.6221

Online: Click here

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References:

Arthritis society – helping you fight the fire of arthritis. Home | Arthritis Society Canada. (n.d.). https://arthritis.ca/

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023, August 29). Arthritis. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350772

Osteoarthritis - physiopedia. (n.d.). https://www.physio-pedia.com/Osteoarthritis

Canada, P. H. A. of. (2017, November 7). Government of Canada. Canada.ca. https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/chronic-diseases/arthritis/most-common-types-arthritis.html

Shannon Lawrence#comoxphysio, #physiotherapy, #movementismedicine, #arthritis, #patientinformation