Did you know? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 54 million Americans are living with arthritis.

During Arthritis Awareness Month, our team at AFC Urgent Care Cleveland wants to share some insight about this common medical condition. Let’s take a deeper dive into the topic.

Am I at Risk for Arthritis?

Anyone at any age can experience arthritis, which means “inflammation of the joints.” But certain factors can place you at an increased risk of developing the condition.

Some of those factors, like your family medical history, your gender and your age, can’t be changed. But many of them—including being overweight or obese, smoking, and living a sedentary lifestyle—you can change. Practicing healthy lifestyle habits can lower your risk of developing arthritis and help you mitigate your symptoms if you already have the condition.

Symptoms of Arthritis

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Redness
• Decreased range of motion

How Can I Prevent Arthritis?

When it comes to reducing your risk of arthritis, there a number of things you can do to fight back. If you smoke, stop smoking. If you have an occupation that requires repetitive motions, take steps to make sure your workspace is safe.

Your best defense, though, is to stay physically active. Aim to get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. Exercise can help lower your risk on its own, but it can also help you maintain a normal weight, which also lowers your risk. If you’re already experiencing aches related to arthritis, choose joint-friendly activities.

Good Exercises for Arthritis

• Stretching
• Walking
• Tai chi
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Water exercises
• Cycling
• Strength training
• Hand exercises

AFC Urgent Care Cleveland is now offering AFC TeleCare services. Visit our website today to schedule a virtual visit.