Do you experience stiffness, pain, or swelling in your joints? If so, you’re not alone—millions of people live with rheumatic diseases like arthritis and lupus, which can make daily activities a challenge. This October, for Rheumatoid Diseases Awareness Month, let’s focus on easy steps you can take to protect your joint health and reduce your risk of these conditions. Small changes now can lead to big improvements for your future, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
What are Rheumatic Diseases?
Rheumatic diseases affect the joints, muscles, and bones. Conditions like arthritis, lupus, and gout can cause pain, stiffness, and limited movement that interfere with everyday life. More than 54 million adults in the U.S. have a rheumatic disease, and without early care, these conditions can impact your quality of life.
Rheumatoid arthritis, for example, is an autoimmune disease that causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. It can also affect your energy, mood, and overall health. While rheumatic diseases can happen at any age, the risk increases as we grow older. But the good news is, there are simple steps you can take to reduce your risk!
Tips to Keep Your Joints Healthy
- Get Moving: Moderate exercise strengthens muscles around your joints, improves flexibility, and helps ease stiffness.
- Eat Well: Include foods rich in antioxidants, like fruits and vegetables, and omega-3s, like fish, to help reduce inflammation.
- Avoid Harmful Habits: Smoking and heavy drinking increase the risk of rheumatic disease and harm your joints.
- Control Your Weight: Keeping a healthy weight reduces pressure on your knees, hips, and spine.
- Sleep and Stress Less: Good rest and stress management help keep your joints and body strong.
- Check In with a Specialist: Regular checkups with a rheumatologist can catch early signs of disease and provide care to protect your joints.
If you’re dealing with pain or stiffness, don’t ignore it! Getting an early diagnosis can make all the difference in managing rheumatic diseases.
At Rheumatology Plus, we’re here to help you feel your best, with personalized care and treatments to relieve pain and improve your quality of life. Take the first step today, schedule an appointment with our team by calling (352) 955-9518.