Coping with Arthritis in the Family: What You Need to Know

Arthritis is a general term for conditions that affect the joints or the tissues surrounding the joint. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly half of people with arthritis have limitations in their usual activities because of this condition. If you have arthritis in your family, there are a few things you can do to help cope with it. Exercises can be a great way to improve range of motion and strengthen the muscles surrounding the joints. In some cases, splints or braces may be required.

Compared to physical therapy, these exercises may be useful for some types of arthritis. For people who are overweight or obese, losing weight can reduce pressure on joints, especially those that bear weight, such as the hips and knees. In fact, losing as little as 10 to 12 pounds can reduce pain and improve function for people with arthritis. By changing the risk factors you can control, you can reduce your risk of developing arthritis or of worsening arthritis. Family members can also learn to support each other in small, thoughtful ways.

Look for ways to make the person with arthritis feel important and needed. Show that you value their company and keep in mind how helpful kind words are on days when they're feeling depressed. The Arthritis Foundation focuses on finding a cure and defending the fight against arthritis with information, advocacy, science and community that change lives. Their JA camp programs give children with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases an opportunity to create lasting memories. Many people with arthritis in their families have found that keeping a few principles in mind helps them cope with daily life. Exercises can improve range of motion and strengthen the muscles surrounding the joints.

Family members can learn to support each other in small, thoughtful ways. Show that you value their company. The Arthritis Foundation focuses on finding a cure and defending the fight against arthritis with information, advocacy, science and community that change lives. By changing the risk factors you can control, you can reduce your risk of developing arthritis or of worsening arthritis. The Arthritis Foundation's JA camp programs give children with arthritis and related childhood rheumatic diseases an opportunity to create lasting memories. In conclusion, if you have arthritis in your family, there are many things you can do to help cope with it.

The Arthritis Foundation focuses on finding a cure and defending the fight against arthritis with information, advocacy, science and community that change lives.

Jill Sizemore
Jill Sizemore

Total food lover. Passionate beer maven. Beer ninja. Proud web specialist. General twitter scholar.