Arthritis is something that many associate with old age. However, arthritis can impact people of all ages and is more common than you may realize. Arthritis is an often-painful condition that affects the joints. Arthritis is essentially inflammation of the joints that can lead to swelling, pain, stiffness, and redness. Nearly 40 million people in the US suffer from arthritis, with 2.1 million of that number suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. If you have arthritis, here are three things that you should know.
The Symptoms
The first thing that you should be aware of when it comes to arthritis is the symptoms. Symptoms can vary from person to person, depending on the type of arthritis you have. If you suspect that you may have arthritis, a visit to the doctor is necessary for a diagnosis. Pain, swelling, and stiffness in and around your joints are tell-tale signs that you have arthritis. Trouble moving a joint can also be a sign that you have arthritis. There are more than 100 types of arthritis and arthritis-related conditions. No matter what type you have, a visit to the doctor is a must.
Treatments
Arthritis treatments can vary greatly depending on the type of arthritis you have and its severity. Some common ways to reduce arthritis symptoms include using heat or cold to reduce pain and stiffness near the joints. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDS, are also often used to treat mild cases of arthritis. Other types of medication often used to treat arthritis include corticosteroids, biologics, counterirritants, and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). When it comes to arthritis treatment, the earlier the better. Early treatment can make day-to-day life easier and help you keep your symptoms under control.
Treatment Cost
Another thing to know about arthritis is how much arthritis treatment costs. The cost can vary depending on the type of arthritis you have, its severity, and your health insurance. Some treatments, such as using heat or cold or NSAIDS, are available at little to no cost. Other treatments, however, tend to be more expensive. Biologics, which are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, can cost between $1,000 and $3,000 per month. After being diagnosed with arthritis, your treatments can vary in cost from just a few dollars to hundreds or even thousands of dollars per year.
Arthritis is something that impacts millions of Americans. It's important to be aware of the symptoms and to visit your doctor for a diagnosis if you suspect you may have arthritis. Arthritis treatment can vary depending on a variety of factors. However, early treatment is helpful in most cases. The cost of treatment can also vary widely depending on your situation. To learn more about arthritis treatment, contact a medical facility like Sarasota Arthritis Center.