I HAVE JOINT PAIN!

Do you suffer from arthritis? Or do you know someone who does? Let's bet you do. It's normal, as arthritis is a fairly common disease.

A PREVALENCE OF OLDER WOMEN SUFFERING FROM ARTHRITIS

Did you know that the 2014 Canadian Community Health Survey reports 4.8 million Canadians over 15 years old diagnosed with arthritis? And that in 2016, this number rose to 6.1 million? With the aging population, the number of people affected by arthritis is growing.

The survey also reveals a predominance of women dealing with the issue. The older they get, the more they suffer from arthritis. Older women therefore constitute the group most affected by the disease.

But good news if you are from Quebec! The proportion of people living in the beautiful province diagnosed with arthritis is below the national average, with a rate of 11% versus 16.5% for all Canadians.

SOURCES OF DISCOMFORT

But why is arthritis so painful? In fact, the pain caused by arthritis comes from cartilage deterioration. Consequently, when affected by arthritis, it no longer properly protects the bones as it no longer cushions shocks well.

The pain is then felt in the knees, hips, or even the hands and feet. Furthermore, arthritis can also cause swelling, stiffness, or cracking in the joints. It makes life difficult for those who suffer from it.

RISK FACTORS FOR ARTHRITIS

Have you had joint injuries in the past? Or has one of your parents been affected? If so, unfortunately, you are more likely to suffer from arthritis. Even though the disease is not hereditary, genetics is a significant factor in the development of arthritis. A study conducted in France on patients with rheumatoid arthritis showed that risks increase in children of affected individuals; 2% for boys and 6% for girls.

Are you overweight? Then you are more likely to suffer from the disease. But why? Simply because of the extra strain that excess weight puts on the joints. The same goes for a sedentary lifestyle, as overall muscle weakening leads to greater pressure on the joints.

WAYS TO RELIEVE PAIN

Arthritis is considered a chronic disease; it cannot be cured. Research is progressing in the field, but unfortunately, the disease has not yet been stopped! How to live with this pain? What solutions to turn to? Of course, depending on the type of arthritis, pharmacological approaches can be effective. But since it is a chronic disease, long-term medication use leads people to consider other solutions to relieve their pain.

1. Lose weight

From a lifestyle perspective, why not consider losing weight? It's proven! People who are overweight need to reduce the pressure on their joints; a 5% weight loss over 5 months helps reduce knee pain.

2. Eat well

Can eating well provide relief? Yes! The Arthritis Society advises reducing sugar, focusing on a diet rich in colorful plants, and favoring healthy fats like omega-3s.

Nutrition PhD Isabelle Huot highlights research findings that prove the benefits of antioxidants in relieving arthritis. Did you know their function is to neutralize free radicals? That's how they protect joints and help reduce inflammation caused by arthritis. Give it a try!

3. Exercise

Move! One myth about arthritis is that affected joints should be rested. Wrong! People greatly benefit from physical activity. Doctors, physiotherapists, or occupational therapists recommend adapted exercises that promote mobility, strengthening, and maintaining cardiovascular capacity.

Stretching, weight-bearing activities like walking, dancing, or tennis, as well as cycling, are good examples. Because it is always important to keep in mind that the key is to keep the joints moving to slow cartilage deterioration.

4. Treat yourself with natural methods

Another solution is to give yourself a break from the pain by treating yourself! Why not enjoy a massage therapy treatment, acupuncture, or practice meditation? You can also take natural supplements! More and more people with arthritis find relief this way. Studies also demonstrate their beneficial effects in alleviating symptoms in affected individuals. In this regard, glucosamine has proven effective. You probably know someone around you who praises its benefits?

However, there are new products on the market gaining popularity among people with arthritis. They combine the action of glucosamine, chondroitin, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). The complementary properties of these products produce good results; they even act on preserving cartilage.

If you think you suffer from arthritis or have been diagnosed, know that the Arthritis Society has been working since 1948 to improve the lives of affected people and manage their disease.

Sources:

Canadian Community Health Survey, 2007 to 2014 | Statistics Canada

Canadian Community Health Survey, 2016 | Statistics Canada

Understanding genetics and its importance in medicine | GenHotel CHU Estaing, Clermont-Ferrand

Rheumatoid arthritis | The Arthritis Society

Diet and arthritis: the facts! | Isabelle Huot