Achy knees, stiff hips, pain in the wrists, elbows and ankles—there is a large variety of joint pain and it affects people differently. However, one thing remains true across the board—it lowers quality of life, often leading to loss of mobility, frustration at not being able to enjoy favorite hobbies, and sometimes even feelings of helplessness and depression. Though there is no known cure for arthritis, patients have more options now than ever before to help manage pain and the disease.
If you are suffering from joint pain, you are not alone. One in five Americans are afflicted with arthritis, including 300,000 children, and it is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Don’t suffer in silence—work on a plan with your doctor, find someone to help you stay on track with a healthy lifestyle, and keep an open mind as you try different treatment options. Stay tuned for some Dos and Donts in managing joint pain.