A recent CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) study notes the prevalence of arthritis and the opportunities that are available to decrease pain and improve function. When people with arthritis engage in physical activity they can reduce their arthritis symptoms by up to 40 percent. Yet, many adults with arthritis are not physically active. About 1 in 3 adults with arthritis report that they do not engage in physical activity during leisure time. Adults with arthritis also can reduce their symptoms by participating in disease management education programs. However, just 1 in 10 has taken part in these programs.

More than 54 million adults in the U.S. have arthritis and nearly half of those have activity limitations from their disease. The everyday activities of these adults are limited by arthritis, such as holding a cup, lifting a grocery bag, or walking to the car. Arthritis can cause pain, aching, stiffness and swelling of the joints. The most common types are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, and fibromyalgia. It is important for healthcare providers and loved ones to encourage those with arthritis to be as physically active as they can be. Walking, swimming, and biking are all great options.

We can give you or your loved ones greater opportunity for activity. Our aides have specific training in how to safely help people with mobility. Call us if you or someone you care about could do with more help around the home.

Source: Barbour KE, Helmick CG, Boring M, Brady TJ. Vital Signs: Prevalence of Doctor-Diagnosed Arthritis and Arthritis-Attributable Activity Limitation — United States, 2013–2015. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2017;66:246–253. DOI: //dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6609e1