Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States, with over 20 million individuals living with the debilitating effects of the disease. The chronic joint pain and weakness associated with arthritis can oftentimes make it difficult for individuals to remain physically active, helping contribute to an increased risk of obesity, high cholesterol or vulnerability to heart disease. (read more)
The pain from arthritis is generally due to a variety of factors to include inflammation that occurs around the affected joint, damage to the joint from disease or as a result of daily wear and tear over a period of time. While there is no cure, some of the steps which can be taken to help manage the effects of arthritis include:
Losing weight to reduce stress and strain on the joints.
Participating in gentle stress free exercises such as stretching or light water-based exercises.
Using both moist heat and cold therapies to reduce joint inflammation.