National Arthritis Awareness Month
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley
Could it be Arthritis?
In recognition of National Arthritis Awareness Month, let’s talk about how Arthritis effects our body, symptoms to watch for and treatment options to discuss with your Chapa-De medical provider.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a joint disease that comes in many forms and affects tens of millions of people. It is most common in adults, but it also causes issues for hundreds of thousands of children.
The most familiar form of arthritis is degenerative arthritis. Also known as Osteoarthritis. This is when the cartilage between your joints declines creating pain and swelling. This makes it hard to accomplish your normal activities. Even something as simple as holding a pencil can be difficult.
Other types of arthritis:
- Inflammatory (including Rheumatoid arthritis)
- Infectious (including Septic arthritis)
- Metabolic (including Gout)
Note: there are over 100 different types of arthritis and a wide range of symptoms. To learn more about all of these different types of this disease click HERE.
What are the common signs of arthritis?
- Joint swelling
- Joint pain and/or stiffness
- Pain in the spine or back
- Swelling, pain or stiffness in knees, shoulders, ankles and hands, as well as other parts of the body
- Click HERE to see other indicators for arthritis
How do we treat it?
If you feel like you might have arthritis, call one of our Chapa-De Health Centers today and schedule an appointment with one of our medical providers.
Treatments for arthritis vary depending on the type of arthritis, but some options include:
- Lots of rest
- Administering hot or cold compresses
- Medication
- Physical therapy
- Sometimes it may require surgery
Chapa-De patients living with arthritis or other chronic pain conditions are invited to take part in our free Chronic Pain Support Group. This support group will give you tools to cope with and better manage pain so you can experience a better quality of life and an overall sense of well-being.
The Chronic Pain Support Group will also help you to see that you are not alone; you will meet other people living with chronic pain and will have ongoing support from our team at Chapa-De.
Chronic Pain Support Group meets weekly on Wednesdays at 3:00 PM at our Auburn Health Center.
To learn more about the Chronic Pain Support Group and about treatment options for arthritis, visit Chapa-De.org or call (530) 887-2800 for Auburn or (530) 477-8545 for Grass Valley.
Arthritis.org
National Arthritis Awareness Month (Could it be Arthritis?)
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley
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Chapa-De Indian Healthcare Auburn Grass Valley