Arthritis and Rheumatism International founded World Arthritis Day in 1996. Since then, it’s a day when people around the world are encouraged to talk about their experiences with different types of arthritis and learn more about them. For 2023, World Arthritis Day is focusing on rheumatoid arthritis.
Around the World, 18 Million People Have Rheumatoid Arthritis
Worldwide, it’s estimated that 18 million people have rheumatoid arthritis. Pain, joint stiffness, swelling, and tenderness are the common symptoms in the early stages of this form of arthritis.
It’s a Systemic Autoimmune Condition
Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune condition. What this means is that a lot of the body is impacted by the condition, and it’s caused when the immune system mistakenly targets healthy cells as invaders.
In rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune response targets healthy cells in the joints, and may expand and include the nervous system, heart, and lungs. Having it diagnosed in the early stages and keeping up with treatments is essential.
70% of People With Rheumatoid Arthritis Are Women
Seven out of 10 people diagnosed with this form of arthritis are women. It’s less common in men.
Almost Three-Quarters of Rheumatoid Arthritis Cases Have Moderate or Severe Symptoms
Of the 18 million people with rheumatoid arthritis, 13 million of them have moderate or severe symptoms that impact mobility and movements. Therapeutic services like physical or occupational therapy help a lot.
Onset Starts Around the Age of 60
The average age of diagnosis according to WHO is 60, but it often starts forming between the ages of 30 and 60. Early warning signs include pain in more than one joint, fatigue, and similar symptoms affecting both joints at the same time.
The Disease Progresses Without Treatment
While there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, treatments can help prevent the disease from affecting the heart and lungs. Anti-rheumatic drugs help slow the progression. NSAIDs help with pain management.
Heart, Lung, and Nervous System Damage Can Occur
If you do nothing to slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis it can affect the heart, eyes, and lungs. People with rheumatoid arthritis have a higher risk of premature heart disease, balance issues, and joint damage that leads to misshapen joints, especially in the fingers.
Lifestyle Changes Lower the Risk
Lifestyle changes may help lower the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. Obesity is a risk, and studies find the more overweight someone is, the higher the risk.
Arrange In-Home Care to Help Her Out
When rheumatoid arthritis impacts your mom’s mobility, ask her what she needs the most. It’s often difficult to stand for extended periods, so she will appreciate having someone to do the laundry and housework. She might want help with meals and shopping. In-home care aides offer all of those services and more.
In-home care services are available as often as your mom wants them. She might just want help once a week with laundry and housekeeping or each day with meals. Ask her for input and then make a call to a home care specialist to learn more.
If you or an aging loved one are considering in-home care in Arvada, CO please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services today. Call (720) 789-8529
At Talem Home Care of Broomfield, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Broomfield, Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Brighton, Commerce City, Denver, Erie, Firestone, Lafayette, Lakewood, Longmont, Louisville, Northglenn, Sherrelwood, Thornton, Welby, Westminster, Wheat Ridge and surrounding areas in Colorado.
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