Arthritis
About 1 in 4 Kansans ≥ 18 years of age had doctor diagnosed arthritis. Kansans with arthritis are nearly three times more likely to live with a disability – hearing, vision, mobility, self-care, and/or independent living – as compared to those without arthritis. View the latest Kansas data (PDF) on arthritis.
Risk Factors
Several characteristics called risk factors affect whether your risk is high or low for arthritis. These incldue weight, smoking, employement and injuries and infections.
Extra weight adds stress to joints, particularly weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees.
Cigarette smoking increases your risk of developing arthritis and can make it worse.
Jobs that require frequent bending of the joints. As well as any overuse or injury from repeated motion or stress, such as bending, can damage the joint and may lead to arthritis.
It is possible for bacteria and viruses to infect joints.
Managing your Arthritis
If you have arthritis, you can start managing it today.
Learn Skills
Communities offer evidence-based programs — Enhanced®Fitness or Walk With Ease — specifically for those with arthritis.
Watch as Laura Hughes Zahner, instructor, and Joanne Francisco, participant discuss Walk With Ease.
No exercise equipment needed to complete this class.
Be Active
- Physical activity is beneficial for everyone, especially if you have arthritis. The best part is that it is a simple, effective non-drug way to relieve pain.
- The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults be physically active at a moderate intensity for 150 minutes per week. Check out these ways to exercise safely. When in doubt talk to your doctor.
Visit the Doctor
If you have ongoing joint pain be sure to talk with your doctor. Getting a diagnosis early can help you get treatment and minimize symptoms.
The focus of arthritis is treatment is to:
- Reduce pain.
- Minimize joint damage.
- Improve and maintain function and quality of life.
Lose Weight
Losing extra weight is important for people with arthritis. Losing as little as ten pounds can reduce pressure and pain on key joints.
Protect Joints
Joint injuries can cause or worsen arthritis. Control your risk factors, listen to your body and let your doctor know if you have ongoing pain.
If you need access to:
- Walk With Ease,
- Chronic Disease
Self-Management, and/or - Tai Ji Quan program resources, email us.