The umbrella term rheumatic disease refers to arthritis and various other illnesses that affect the joints, tendons, muscle, ligaments, bones, and muscles (arthritis refers to disorders that mainly affect the joints). Poorly managed rheumatic disorders, such as osteoarthritis, can cause significant joint pain due to the degradation of cartilage, the hard but soft tissue that protects a joint.
The most prevalent rheumatic disorders consist of osteoarthritis, the most prevalent form of arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, sometimes known as RA. In patients with rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system destroys healthy cells. Multiple joints may experience inflammation, edema, and pain simultaneously. Other frequent rheumatic conditions include:
Fibromyalgia is a rheumatic illness that affects four million people and is characterized by widespread pain, sleep disturbances, exhaustion, and frequently emotional and mental discomfort.
Gout is a kind of arthritis in which urate crystals accumulate in a joint, typically the big toe joint.
Childhood/juvenile arthritis: arthritis in children; juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is the most frequent kind.
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune illness in which the immune system of the body attacks the body’s tissues and organs, causing damage to any region of the body.
The risk factors for rheumatic illnesses are disease-specific. On the Arthritis Risk Factors website, you can learn more about rheumatic disorders and arthritis risk factors. Inflammation of joints and other ligaments can cause chronic or long-lasting discomfort and imbalance. The CDC recognizes initiatives and provides information for adults with arthritis and rheumatic diseases in order to enhance their quality of life and alleviate their symptoms.
How to alleviate arthritis and rheumatic disease-related pain
A recent CDC study found that nearly one-third of US adults with arthritis (including gout, fibromyalgia, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis) experience significant joint pain. This means that around 19 million American adults suffer from pain so severe that it limits their regular activities. A previous CDC study indicated that Black and Latino individuals, as well as those in fair to poor health, with major psychological distress, who are unable to work, or who have diabetes or heart disease, are disproportionately afflicted by severe joint pain.
People can alleviate arthritis-related pain and stiffness in several ways:
Perform physical activity! Studies indicate that physical activity can alleviate arthritis-related joint pain and stiffness, as well as enhance function, happiness, and quality of life in persons with arthritis. In addition, strength training is recommended. To alleviate joint pain, you can engage in low-impact physical exercise, such as swimming, walking, and cycling.
Examine CDC-recognized physical activity programs to assist persons with arthritis and other chronic diseases in becoming or becoming active. Currently, many of these programs are delivered remotely.
Adults with arthritis can enhance their quality of life by enrolling in one of the CDC-recognized self-management education classes.