Arthritis is a leading cause of disability in the United States, affecting 58.5 million Americans. The prevalence of this autoimmune disorder is only going to increase. Experts project that 67 million people will have some form of arthritis by 2030.
 
In honor of Arthritis Awareness month, this article explores all aspects of arthritis- what it is, what you can do if you have it, and how to prevent it. The most common forms of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, psoriatic, gout, and lupus. Overall, there are over 100 types of arthritis. When left untreated, arthritis can cause bones to fuse and fibrous tissue to form around joints resulting in deformity and loss of mobility.
 
By understanding arthritis and treating its symptoms, people who suffer from this condition can lessen the chances of developing long-term effects.

Understanding arthritis begins with recognizing the signs and symptoms. This autoimmune disorder primarily affects the joints and the tissues around the joints. Pain, aching, stiffness, and swelling in the joints are common in people dealing with this disorder. However, certain varieties like rheumatoid arthritis can also cause damage to the lungs, eyes, heart, and skin.
 
Like most autoimmune disorders, the cause results from the body's inability to distinguish between healthy and unhealthy cells. Scientists are unclear precisely what causes a healthy immune system to begin attacking itself. However, the result is a chronic condition that makes everyday tasks like walking a painful experience.
 
Some types of arthritis are entirely avoidable, including those resulting from poor diet and exercise habits. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is especially prevalent in people with obesity. People who are overweight or obese are 60 percent more likely to develop arthritis than people who keep a healthy weight.

Other risk factors such as age, genetics, and gender aren't preventable. For example, your likelihood of getting arthritis increases the older you get due to weakening bones and wear in the joints.
 
Women are more likely to develop certain types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and osteoarthritis. Meanwhile, men are more likely to get gout.

To maintain a healthy weight, you need to exercise regularly or ensure you're moving around for at least 30 minutes every single day! Regular exercise prevents weight gain and keeps joints flexible. When you gain weight, you put a lot of unnecessary pressure on the joints, especially the weight-bearing areas like the hips, knees, and ankles.
 
Gaining weight also increases your likelihood of developing chronic inflammation in the body, which can cause or exacerbate arthritis. However, any exercise is better than none regarding mobility, mood, and quality of life.
 
A healthy diet prevents unwanted weight gain and can also be used to counter inflammation. Common anti-inflammatory foods include olive oil, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, fatty fish, and fresh fruit. On the other hand, processed foods containing lots of sugar or unsaturated fats increase inflammation and worsen autoimmune conditions.
 
You also want to get regular checkups, develop a consistent sleep schedule, and take care of your mental and emotional health. Preventing disease from developing takes a well-rounded approach. Analyze your healthy and unhealthy habits to figure out where you can improve!

Diet and exercise will help you retain your quality of life if you already have arthritis. But you'll also need to learn how to manage your pain. Since arthritis can make simple tasks like walking, cleaning, and cooking a challenge, some pain management is necessary to cope with the pain on bad days.
 
If you're looking for natural remedies for arthritis pain, a few promising treatments below can help you manage it.

● CBD: While CBD (cannabidiol) is not FDA approved, this chemical derived from hemp plants shows promising signs of pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory treatments. CBD can be taken orally or applied in a cream, ointment, or lotion.
● Hot/cold therapy: In general, heat's best avoided with inflammatory conditions like arthritis. But heat does draw blood to the area, which can be beneficial before exercise, especially if your joints are stiff. And cold packs are used to reduce pain and inflammation after movement.
● Acupuncture: Most scientists agree that acupuncture is an effective alternative treatment for arthritis. Approximately 80% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis claim fatigue as a symptom of arthritis, and acupuncture is a well-known treatment for relaxation and lack of sleep. In addition, it relieves pain, reduces stress, and improves sleep quality.
● Massage: As another alternative therapy, massage improves circulation and reduces stress. The increased circulation provides relief from pain and swelling in the joints. Lymphatic massage, which stimulates the movement of lymph fluid in the lymph system, is particularly effective for people with arthritis.
● Meditation: Mind-body awareness is an increasingly popular solution for pain relief. Studies show that mindful meditation reduces the perception of pain. In addition, it rewires the pathways through the brain and induces the body's opioid system.

Understanding arthritis means preventing and treating inflammation. Inflammation worsens arthritis symptoms and may even be a factor in developing the autoimmune disease in the first place. Manage inflammation in the body by adopting a healthy lifestyle and starting treatment with natural remedies that focus on the cause and not the symptoms.

 
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