Released: February 19, 2002

Reduce Risks, Pains From Arthritis

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Forty-three million Americans suffer from arthritis. The chronic disease often is associated with aging – it affects 50 percent of those over age 65. It also affects three out of five adults younger than 65, and 285,000 children. Because the disease affects the joints and surrounding tissues, including the ligaments and tendons around the joints, everyday activities, like combing your hair, brushing your teeth or opening a jar can be difficult.

The disease can be painful, debilitating and costly. It’s the leading cause of disability in the United States, and the leading chronic condition for women. Medical care and time off from work add up to about $65 billion a year, said Nancy Gyurcsik, Kansas State University exercise psychologist.

Gender and genetics can predispose some people to arthritis. Obesity, an injury to a joint, an occupational hazard, such as a job that requires repetitive motion, and/or a sedentary lifestyle can exacerbate the disease, Gyurcsik said.

While there are more than 100 different kinds of arthritis, three are most common:

* Osteoarthritis, which affects 21 million people, is a degenerative joint disease. It affects the cartilage around the joint, and usually affects the hip, knee, feet, or hands. Its symptoms include stiffness in the joints and reduced mobility.

* Fibromyalgia affects 3.7 million Americans. This form of arthritis affects muscles and the areas where they attach. Its symptoms include muscle pain throughout the body, fatigue, headaches, and sleep disorders.

* Rheumatoid arthritis, which affects 2.1 million people, involves a chronic inflammation of the joint lining. Joint pain, stiffness and swelling of multiple joints are common symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis also can cause the heart and lungs to swell, making people who have the disease more vulnerable to respiratory illnesses and other infectious diseases.

When basic life skills are compromised, depression; anxiety, and a loss of self-esteem and social interaction also occur, she said.

At this time, there is no medical cure for arthritis. Symptoms of the disease may develop slowly, but once the disease is diagnosed, treatment that can ease symptoms and reduce pain can begin, said Gyurscik, who offered these tips:

* Start the day with a warm shower or bath to warm-up – and soothe – joints.

* Exercise regularly.

"Moderate physical activity – such as bending and stretching, walking, or gardening, for example – usually eases arthritic pain, and promotes flexibility and mobility. It is important, however, to not stress joints. That’s one reason why aquatic exercises often are recommended for arthritis sufferers. The water cushions the joints," Gyurscik said.

* If you are overweight, lose weight – extra pounds stress joints.

* Eat a variety of foods, including fruits and vegetables, and drink eight to 10 glasses of water each day.

"Staying well hydrated is important – fluids cushion the body," she said.

Consulting a health care professional is recommended. Information on arthritis and how exercise and weight management can help in managing the disease is available at the local K-State Research and Extension office or the Kansas Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation at 316-263-0116, or outside Wichita 800-362-1108.

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Why Exercise?

People who are affected by arthritis may move more slowly when they awake or have used joints affected by arthritis more than usual. While overdoing it is not recommended, failing to maintain a moderate activity level may weaken the muscles around the joint and increase pain.

The Arthritis Foundation/K-State Research and Extension

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K-State Research and Extension is a short name for the Kansas State University Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service, a program designed to generate and distribute useful knowledge for the well-being of Kansans. Supported by county, state, federal and private funds, the program has county Extension offices, experiment fields, area Extension offices and regional research centers statewide. Its headquarters is on the K-State campus, Manhattan.

Story by:
Nancy Peterson, Communications Specialist
npeterso@oznet.ksu.edu
K-State Research& Extension News