Your Top 5 Arthritis Questions Answered

Did you know that arthritis is the leading cause of disability in America? According to the Arthritis Foundation, more than 60 million adults have some type of arthritis. Despite being so common, arthritis will vary greatly depending on the individual, which can leave many patients with questions. We took the time to answer some of your most asked questions.

What Is the Difference Between OA and RA?

There are more than 100 different kinds of arthritis but rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) are two of the more common types. The most common type, OA, is a chronic and degenerative joint condition, while RA is an autoimmune condition. As a result of these differences, treatment for each can look very different.

What Causes Arthritis?

While arthritis symptoms are typically joint pain or stiffness, the triggers and root causes for different types vary. There is no known cause for RA and varying causes for OA, but certain similar factors do increase your risk for each.

• Family History: Genetics can play a big role in developing OA or RA.
• Extra Weight: Individuals who are overweight are at an increased risk.
• Injury: Normal wear and tear on the joints is a common trigger for many, while larger injuries can also cause arthritis.
• Gender: While anyone can get arthritis, women are at an increased risk.

What Exercises Can Help Lessen Arthritis Pain? Which Should Be Avoided?

Avoiding exercise will lead to stiff and weaker joints for anyone. If you have arthritis, not exercising will only worsen your symptoms. On the other hand, the wrong exercises can potentially make matters worse. What you can do are exercises such as range-of-motion movements (e.g., ankle rolls, arm circles) and low-impact workouts (e.g., swimming, walking). You should always ask your doctor before starting a routine. Your physician might even suggest something more structured like physical therapy as the best path for you.

When Is it Best to Use Heat vs. Ice?

Whether hot or cold is better for managing pain in the body is a question as old as time. The answer depends on a few factors. Let's uncomplicate it: Heat : Good for spasms; relaxes muscles; Helps warm up muscles before an activity Cold: Good for inflammation; reduces swelling in joints; helpful with injuries

Can Marijuana Help Me Manage Arthritis Pain?

The truth is that not enough research exists to accurately say whether cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can help manage arthritis pain. However, there are plenty of other methods of pain management to choose from. Two popular ways include splints and daily therapeutic exercises. The Arthritis Foundation has a helpful article that details tips for easing joint pain based on its location in the body that you can easily refer to. No matter what pain management you are pursuing, keep your doctor in the loop, and use them as a trusted resource. Related Posts

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Find a UMass Memorial rheumatologist or orthopedist here or call 855-UMASS-MD (855-862-7763).