BOG-Official-2023
BOG-Official-2023

osteoarthritis

Taking a Statistical Look at Arthritis for Arthritis Awareness Month

Arthritis-Awareness-MonthWith all of the worry about the recent COVID-19 pandemic, it seems as though there is only one thing that most people have been focusing on in regards to their health and wellness. Last month, we also offered some general tips regarding this very scary and contagious virus. This month, In honor of Arthritis Awareness Month, the healthcare providers here at Abraham Family Medicine wanted to present some statistics about the condition to help educate our patients about arthritis and what they should know.

Statistics are an invaluable resource to us in the field of medicine. Analyzing statistical reports can go a long way towards helping people understand the prevalence of certain medical conditions, as well as specific risk factors and other crucial pieces of information. All statistics presented were collected by the Arthritis Foundation.

General Arthritis Statistics

  • Arthritis currently affects more than one in every four adults in the US.
  • Although the condition is often associated with people of a more advanced age, nearly 1 in every 3 adults between the ages of 18 – 64 experience arthritis or similar symptoms.
  • There are over 100 different kinds of arthritis.
  • Experts estimate that the number of adults in the US with doctor-diagnosed arthritis is projected to increase 49% to 78.4 million by 2040.

Osteoarthritis Statistics

  • Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis.
  • Nearly 31 million adults in the US currently experience osteoarthritis.
  • The condition leads to roughly 2 million fractures each year in the US.

Risk Factor Statistics

  • Adults over the age of 65 have a far greater prevalence of arthritis.
  • Arthritis is slightly more common in women than it is in men.
  • Nearly half (49%) of all adults with heart disease also experience arthritis.
  • The same figure is true for adults with diabetes.

Cost Statistics

  • Arthritis is the most common cause of disability among adults in the US.
  • Each year, an estimated 172 million work days are lost due to arthritis or similar conditions.
  • Arthritis is the most common chronic condition among opioid users in the US.

There are things we would recommend to people with arthritis to help ease or manage their symptoms. Certain low impact exercises including yoga, stretching, walking, or Tai Chi may be able to help. Eating a good diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables and maintaining a healthy body weight can help as well. We also recommend trying to reduce stress, as excess stress can lead to inflammation and arthritis flare ups.

We understand how challenging and painful arthritis can be. That’s why our healthcare providers work hard with each patient we see to fully understand their condition and symptoms in order to develop the most helpful treatment program for their needs. For more information on arthritis or if you would like to schedule an appointment, please contact Abraham Family Medicine today. Our office is located in Snellville, not far from Grayson, Dacula, Lilburn and Loganville.

Study Shows Winter Months are Tougher on Arthritis Patients

As the cooler months set in and the number of daylight hours decrease, it is often harder for most of us to find a reason to exercise outdoors. While we may be able to go to a gym and get our exercise fix, older adults, especially those with the chronic medical condition arthritis, often have difficulty getting the necessary exercise to improve their health.

In a recent study published in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health researchers tracked over 240 participants’ daily activities over a period of three years. Each participant wore an accelerometer while they were awake in all different types of weather. Participants each had a diagnosed case of either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

The study’s finding suggest that older adults with arthritis often do not get the amount of weekly exercise recommended by orthopedic specialists (about 150 minutes a week or 20 minutes a day) when the weather reaches temperatures too low or too high for comfort. The dwindling daylight hours also had a negative effect on arthritis sufferers’ daily activity levels, increasing the amount of time they spent sedentary.

While it’s easy to get outside for a brisk walk in warmer months, it’s important that arthritis sufferers maintain an exercise schedule in the colder winter months as well. Exercise reduces joint pain and stiffness, increases flexibility and endurance, and builds muscle around the joints to protect them.

Dr. Ben Abraham specializes in osteopathic and geriatric medicine. Meeting the healing needs of older adults, Abraham Medical’s team of experienced providers work to ensure patients receive the utmost in care to allow patients to enjoy their retirement years and optimize long-term health. Whether you’re looking for indoor exercise ideas for the winter months or nutrition advice for aging, Abraham Medical strives to provide you with the tools you need to live a comfortable and productive life.

For more information on Abraham Medical’s geriatric services, family medicine, or cosmetic services, contact us. You can also stay up to date on the latest news by following us on Facebook and Twitter.

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