May is Arthritis Awareness Month, and the Osteoarthritis Action Alliance has steps you can take to maintain lifelong healthy joints.
By Jenna Hughes
Arthritis is one of the most common health conditions in the United States, and a leading cause of disability. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four adults have arthritis that has been diagnosed by a doctor, and 26 million adults are unable to do daily activities because of arthritis.
May is Arthritis Awareness Month, when the focus is on arthritis intervention and prevention strategies. The month of awareness is recognized each year in May as an opportunity to learn about the different types of arthritis in addition to their causes and treatment options. The month is also a chance for your physician customers to share resources and prevention strategies with patients.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, afflicting over 32.5 million U.S. adults, according to the CDC. The Osteoarthritis Action Alliance is a national coalition of concerned organizations started as a partnership between the Arthritis Foundation and the CDC. Since 2011, the coalition has aimed to have osteoarthritis recognized as a national health priority, and to promote policy solutions addressing the human impact of the disease.
OA can be managed through intervention, and steps can be taken to prevent it from developing. Communicating about the disease is critical for nationwide awareness. In 2023, the OA alliance’s overarching goal of “preventing and managing the disease to improve the quality of life for all Americans,” includes invoking policymakers, mobilizing health systems, and engaging individuals with OA.
In 2022, the alliance collaborated with industry stakeholders to expand and update a toolkit of resources for healthcare providers and the healthcare support community. Additionally, four new therapeutic interventions were added to the already growing list, and four new organizations were added to the alliance including Wake Forest School of Medicine, Paradigm Biopharmaceuticals, University of North Carolina Greensboro (EdD in Kinesiology), and Pain Free after 50.
So, why is osteoarthritis a national health priority, and how can it be treated and prevented?
Joint pain
OA is a type of arthritis that affects cartilage and causes moderate to severe joint pain, swelling, and a loss of motion in joints. OA is the most common type of arthritis, and generally afflicts older people. The disease has no cure and can get progressively worse over time if left untreated. Fortunately, education, intervention, and prevention can greatly improve the lives of those living with symptoms.
Evidence-based interventions
Arthritis-Appropriate, Evidence-Based Interventions (AAEBIs) can assist individuals with managing their OA symptoms. There are treatments and therapies available for patients living with OA, and the CDC recognizes numerous AAEBIs, which are community-based programs shown to improve arthritis symptoms. These programs must meet criteria of scientific support, be shown to have previously addressed arthritis symptoms, and can be effectively carried out by community organizations. “Two specific AAEBIs include physical activity programs, designed to increase physical activity in a patient’s daily routine, and self-management education programs, that teach individuals how to manage symptoms and maintain health and activity level,” according to the OA Action Alliance. There are currently numerous approved therapies accessible on the OA Alliance website.
Improving quality of life
The OA Alliance recommends a variety of strategies to help manage the symptoms of OA. Physical activity has positive effects in arthritis management. Low-impact movement such as swimming, biking, and walking can not only improve OA symptoms, but also reduce the risk of other chronic conditions like heart disease and obesity. The CDC recommends that adults get 150 minutes per week or more of moderate physical activity.
Prevention
Excess weight can exacerbate pain associated with OA. “One pound of weight gained can equal four pounds of pressure on your knees,” according to the OA Action Alliance. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the risk of the disease, and makes it less likely that a patient will require major surgical procedures for treatment. Managing weight can be achieved through a healthy diet, physical activity, and daily movement.
Injury prevention is important to preventing the symptoms of OA. Individuals that are active in sports have a higher risk of knee-related injuries and ACL tears that make it more likely to develop OA down the road. Athletes and highly active individuals can take steps to prevent these injuries and decrease the risk of OA later in life. Participating in neuromuscular training exercises (specific targeted stretching), and warming up before physical activity can reduce the risk of injury.