Activity Key to Living With Arthritis

With older Canadians more likely to have arthritis, the number of people living with the condition is expected to reach 7.5 million by 2036, according to Statistics Canada’s 2011 Health Survey.    Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in Canada and impacts the economy an estimated $33 billion in health care costs and lost productivity.

While prevention in early adulthood is the best means of reducing the number of seniors with arthritis, there is no cure.  There are 100 types of arthritis, the most common being osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, gout and rheumatoid arthritis.  Early detection is critical to managing the disease because many therapies work best when started as soon as possible.

Joint pain is the most common symptom across many types of arthritis and if left untreated can cause loss of function. While there are some risk factors for arthritis that cannot be helped such as age, sex (more women suffer), hormones and genetic predisposition, there are a number of measures to help prevent and treat the condition.

Maintaining activity and a healthy weight are the most important components of prevention and treatment of arthritis.  Moderate exercise has been shown to improve functional capacity according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.  Excess weight increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis and the need for joint replacement.  Smoking, alcohol consumption and a diet high in purine rich foods such as red meat and seafood are also considered to be linked with the development of arthritis.

Get Involved

The Who Moves You? Walk to fight arthritis is on Sunday June 7, 2015.  This fundraiser held in communities across Canada is a 1km or 5km walk sponsored by the Arthritis Society, Vibrant and the Running Room.  For more information or to register, visit www.walktofightarthritis.ca .

For more information about arthritis assessment, treatment, research and volunteer opportunities visit the Arthritis Society website at www.arthritis.ca .  There are also several iphone/ipad apps which offer disease tracking, symptom relief, yoga poses, exercise programs, meditation and podcasts specifically designed for arthritis sufferers.