Did you know that arthritis affects 1 in 5 adults in America? Did you know that arthritis is our nation’s #1 cause of disability and that two-thirds of arthritis sufferers are working-age adults who are striving to stay employed in the face of pain and functional limitations?
The burden of arthritis is even greater among U.S. military Veterans. About 1 in 3 Veterans has arthritis. About half of all Veterans with arthritis report limitations in their daily activities because of joint symptoms.
May is Arthritis Awareness Month. It’s a time for us to pay attention to the tremendous impact arthritis has among Veterans, and to the ongoing need for new, better treatments. It’s also a time to focus on what Veterans, their health care providers and their communities can do now to face arthritis as a team.
Researchers are working hard to understand the causes of arthritis and to develop better treatments, and ultimately a cure. In the meantime, arthritis is best managed with a combination of clinical therapies (like medicines) and healthy behaviors. Years of research have shown that physical activity and weight management help to improve pain and function for people with arthritis. But it can be hard to exercise when your joints hurt! So Veterans with arthritis need tools and a team of supporters to help them stay active and manage their arthritis. Here are some tips and key resources for Veterans with arthritis:
Take advantage of online and community-based physical-activity and arthritis-management programs. The Arthritis Foundation
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