Arthritis...don't let it stop you

It's that time of year that I hear people say their arthritis is worse because of the cold so I decided to look into it.  So I go to one of my favorite places:  WebMD:

"Did you know that there are more than 100 types of arthritis? Common arthritis symptoms of inflammation, pain, and stiffness are usually caused by degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis). Other types of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis and gout. No matter which type of arthritis you have, you need an accurate diagnosis before your doctor can recommend a program for treatment."

Over 100 types?  WOW!  I just thought arthritis happened when you got "old."  Now that I am getting old"er" I have started to realize that more of my friends have arthritis and they are not "old."   

"Osteoarthritis (OA), also called osteoarthroses or degenerative joint disease, is the most common type of arthritis. OA is a chronic condition characterized by the breakdown of the joint’s cartilage. The breakdown of cartilage causes the bones to rub against each other, causing stiffness, pain and loss of movement in the joint."  (The Arthritis Foundation)

I'll be honest I first thought that arthritis was just in the hands because that is what I would "see" people complain about.  As I get older (not old) I notice that my friends complain about arthritis in their knees?  

This makes sense:  Arthritis is a degenerative joint disease and my generation abused our bodies growing up.  We played sports...hurt or not.  We ran outside not in "specially made shoes" for running.  Without "dating" myself we just didn't have the knowledge growing up of what you do to your body today will hurt you later.  I remember running track, playing basketball, softball or volleyball and playing hurt because that is what you did.  You got through the game and iced it afterwards.  I have been fortunate that I haven't suffered from Arthritis yet but find many of my friends who are suffering.  

I have a friend who was hurt on the job and has had two surgeries to correct her injury. Her surgeon explained that her shoulder will see the onset of arthritis sooner than it would have "normally" because of the injury.  Looking at what causes arthritis this also makes sense.  

So what can you do?  Get to your Doctor to get an accurate diagnosis of arthritis and find a Doctor who specialize in this.  Each treatment is different as each person is.

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Dr. Jere Sutton of the Colorado Car Wreck is a Board Certified orthopedic surgeon