For Patients
Written by: Dawn Stanton, MA, PAPHS
Over 50 million adults and 300,000 children have some type of arthritis.1 Arthritis refers to inflammation or pain in and around the joints. Many types of arthritis most commonly affect older adults; however young children can also be faced with various forms of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting more than 31 million Americans.
Arthritis symptoms commonly include pain, swelling and stiffness of the joints. Treatment options can vary depending on the type of arthritis and how severe the disease is. For the most common form of arthritis (Osteoarthritis) symptoms can be managed by:
- Staying active when the symptoms will allow and resting when needed. Motion is Lotion
- Strengthening the muscles that surround the joint to aid in joint support. For example, strengthening the quad, hamstring, calf and hips for OA in the knee.
- Maintaining a healthy weight. Excess weight causes the joint to work harder and thus can increase pain and inflammation.
- Using assistive devices as needed.
- Using hot or cold therapies as needed and following doctor recommendations on medications to help with symptom management.
- Finally avoiding excessive, repetitive movements of the joint.
Join Raleigh Orthopaedic as we take a step to help cure arthritis at the 2017 Triangle Walk to Cure Arthritis. Join others from around the Triangle on Saturday, May 6th for this arthritis friendly (choose from 1 mile or 3 mile walks) and dog friendly (dogs get arthritis too!) walk. To register visit: http://walktocurearthritis.org/triangle/raleighortho_core and click Join Team! A donation of $10 will earn you a Raleigh Orthopaedic CORE t-shirt so you can take a stand to help cure Arthritis!
Arthritis Foundation. Understanding Arthritis. Retrieved April 1, 2017 from: http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/.
About Dawn Stanton, MA, PAPHS:
Dawn Stanton is a Fitness Specialist with the CORE Program at Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic. She earned her Master’s Degree in Health Education from ECU in 2010 and her Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Science in 2005 from UNC-Chapel Hill. Dawn has been a certified personal trainer since 2005 and worked in corporate fitness and wellness 7 year prior to joining ROC in 2012. Dawn enjoys reading, cooking, and keeping up with two very active sons.