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Lakewood, NJ ----- Many
arthritis sufferers can predict the weather. This is primarily
because they experience increased pain during cold, snowy and rainy
weather. During the winter, a stiff joint
or dull ache may very well become a shooting pain.
“Some studies have shown that about 70 percent of people
with arthritis are weather sensitive,” says Dave Terlizzi,
Director of the Kimball Institute for Rehabilitative and Occupational
Health Services. “Women and those with osteoarthritis
may be slightly more affected by weather changes than men and people
with other types of arthritis.”
Winter is a time when we not only catch colds
and flu, but when chronic ailments are exacerbated by the cold,
wind and dampness. People with arthritis
may experience their condition worsening in the winter months
with even achier bones and joints.
“That's why it is essential for people who have arthritis,
and those who could potentially acquire the disease, to exercise
and avoid becoming a couch potato during the winter months,” Terlizzi
states.
Arthritis causes pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints.
Arthritis refers to more than 100 different types of diseases involving
joints of the body, surrounding tissue and other connecting tissue.
Cold and damp weather can cause tendons, ligaments, and muscles
surrounding joints to contract, and cavities in joints can be affected
by atmospheric pressure. It is still unknown why some people are
affected by weather and others are not.
Arthritis may flare up seasonally because people are least active
in winter, notes Terlizzi. "It's not only in the morning,
but also when people sit around, that their joints get stiff," he
says. "I suggest keeping mobile and performing regular exercise
and range-of-motion activities."
Over 43 million Americans, or one in six people, deal with the
pain of arthritis. The most common type is osteoarthritis, which
affects 21 million Americans. This disease occurs when cartilage
that lines and cushions the bones and absorbs shock, breaks down
and the bones begin to hit each other. It affects joints
of the fingers, knees, and hips. In addition to pain and stiffness,
osteoarthritis can make it difficult to move around.
Rheumatoid
arthritis happens as a result of problems with the
body’s immune system. Rheumatoid arthritis affects the
lining of joints, bones, and occasionally internal organs,
and often causes a person to feel sick and tired.
Certain controllable risk factors involved with arthritis include
obesity, joint injuries and particular occupations. Terlizzi notes
that those with labor-intensive jobs are at a higher risk of getting
arthritis because they perform heavy lifting and repetitive movements.
Other uncontrollable risk factors include genetics and simply being
an older adult or female.
Arthritis and other joint conditions are far more common in women
than in men. In fact, nearly twice as many women suffer from arthritis
than men.
Although weather can affect arthritis, weather does not cause
arthritis. No matter the cause, those
painful joints can be the result. Terlizzi advises arthritis
sufferers to wrap up affected areas very well if you must brave
the elements and pay particular attention to your extremities by
wearing warm socks and gloves and maintaining good circulation
by moving around more.
He also suggests that people with arthritis:
- keep warm
- avoid the strains of activities like shoveling snow
- be careful on slippery surfaces to avoid injury
“New treatments and medications are now available, so it
is important to see your physician if you have symptoms of arthritis,” Terlizzi
advises.
To schedule an appointment with a physician who specializes in
the treatment of arthritis or for an appointment at the Kimball
Institute, call the Saint Barnabas Health Care Link at 1-888-SBHS-123
(888- 724-7123).
Arthritis Support Group
Thursday, February 26 from 11 am – 12 pm
Kimball Medical Center offers a monthly support group for those
who suffer from arthritis. During the February meeting, the
topic will focus on cardiac health and nutrition. A Registered
Nurse will be available for discussion and to answer questions. The
Arthritis Support Group will be held at the Center for Healthy
Living located at 198 Prospect Street, Lakewood. Pre-registration
is required by calling the Saint Barnabas Health Care LINK at 1-888-724-7123. Free.
Date: January 30, 2009
CONTACT: Carrie Cristello
Director, Public Relations
732-923-6552
ccristello@sbhcs.com
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