May is Arthritis Awareness Month! Our team at AFC Urgent Care Southcenter wants to share some insight about what you can to to help find relief from arthritis if you are one of the millions of Americans living with this common medical condition.

What Are the 2 Main Types of Arthritis?

While there are around 100 different types of arthritis, the two main types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disorder among Americans and is caused by the normal wear and tear of joints as we age. On the other hand, when it comes to rheumatoid arthritis, approximately 1.3 million people living in the United States have been diagnosed with RA—and most of them are women. Unlike osteoarthritis, RA is caused by the immune system attacking the lining of your joints.

Foods That Can Make Arthritis Worse

• Processed foods
• Omega-6 fatty acids
• Sugar and certain sugar alternatives
• Red meat and fried foods
• Refined carbohydrates
• Cheese and high-fat dairy
• Alcohol

What Is the Best Treatment for Arthritis?

Currently, there is no known cure for arthritis. However, if you have been diagnosed with arthritis, there are certain things you can do in order to find relief from arthritis pain and regain your quality of life.

If needed, you can take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen or naproxen that can help to combat both pain and inflammation. In addition, there are certain lifestyle modifications you can make to help prevent and alleviate arthritis pain, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising on a regular basis and following a diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.

Joint-friendly Exercises for Arthritis

• Stretching
• Walking
• Tai chi
• Yoga
• Pilates
• Water exercises
• Cycling
• Strength training
• Hand exercises

Are you feeling under the weather? Visit AFC Urgent Care Southcenter for a diagnosis and treatment plan.