May is Arthritis Awareness Month, which means it’s the perfect time of year to re-educate yourself on all things arthritis through the expert knowledge of our Arizona pain doctors. Arthritis Month is the one month out of the entire year that people from all walks of life come out to support those living with this chronic condition. There are arthritis walks, runs, donation opportunities to research centers, educational opportunities at local libraries, town hall meetings and much more.

Official Release from the CDC

May is National Arthritis Awareness Month. Arthritis affects 50 million U.S. adults (most of whom are aged <65 years), costs $128 billion per year, and continues to be the most common cause of disability in the United States. By 2030, an estimated 67 million adults (one in four) are expected to be affected by arthritis.

This year's theme, "Take Action," is aimed at raising public awareness of underused self-management interventions that can improve arthritis symptoms and quality of life. Physical activity (e.g., walking, biking, or swimming) for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, reduces joint pain and stiffness in 4--6 weeks and can be done in increments of as little as 10 minutes at a time. Self-management education helps persons gain control of arthritis by learning techniques to reduce pain and activity limitations. Persons who are overweight or obese can reduce symptoms and slow arthritis progression by losing weight. For those with other chronic diseases who also have arthritis (e.g., half of adults with diabetes or heart disease have arthritis), these arthritis interventions might help in managing those other chronic diseases.

Arthritis Month and “Take Action”

Most Arizona pain doctors will tell you that pain management begins with you. We have written plenty of articles on the power of positivity, or eating healthy and staying active to overcome chronic pain. As the CDC advocates ‘self-management interventions’ to relieve chronic pain from arthritis, our Arizona pain doctors wanted to share with you some DIY tips to help you out along the way.

• Exercise – Muscle pain, joint stiffness and swelling can all be managed, even reduced, with some custom tailored exercises provided by your physical therapist or trainer. The more you avoid physical activity, the longer you put off getting active, the greater affect arthritis will have on your body. Exercise can help you maintain good flexibility and strength, two key elements in living with arthritis.  Improving your range of motion through exercise will not only help to relieve pain, it will allow your body and joints to rest in more comfortable positions when you’re not exercising.
• Preparing for the Summer – If you live in Arizona, the heat of summer can greatly affect your arthritis pain. Even individuals who live without chronic pain feel the effects of summer as muscles begin to tighten, swelling occurs, and dehydration affects the body. Every Arizona pain doctor will advise you to have a water with you at all times, be mindful of how much water you’re putting into your body, and be aware of possible signs of dehydration. Staying hydrated during the summer months is a wonderful tip for self-managing arthritis.
• Tai Chi and Yoga – Alternative methods of pain management are always welcome at The Pain Center of Arizona. Consider meditation, yoga, tai chi, and acupuncture as ways to help you overcome chronic pain.

Take some time during Arthritis Awareness Month to see what local events are being held in your community to raise understanding about this chronic condition.

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