The Arthritis Foundation/Greater San Diego Office has become a recognized partner of Live Well San Diego. Founded in 1963, the Arthritis Foundation provides programs and services for over 430,000 adults and 6,000 children suffering from 174 types of arthritis. In the San Diego area, the Foundation has a strong history of advocating for a better quality of life for people with arthritis. Throughout the region, Arthritis Foundation programs and services are crucial to the community’s overall health.
Arthritis affects more than just joints
While most people associate arthritis with the joints, it affects more than the joints. While the main symptom of arthritis is pain, it also affects muscles and other tissues. Overuse of joints can cause osteoarthritis, which results in the destruction of the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones. Obesity can also cause osteoarthritis because it puts extra strain on joints. Because osteoarthritis affects more than just the joints, it can have a variety of other serious consequences.
When the disease is early on, foot joints are the most commonly affected. The foot may be swollen or painful, and the person may be walking on their heels or with bent toes. Sometimes the foot may be red and swollen, and the foot may be numb or painful. Symptoms can also include a shortness of breath, dry cough, and vision problems.
The cold and damp weather can aggravate joint pain. People who are not active during winter or rainy seasons may be more prone to developing arthritis. Barometric pressure also affects the condition. Discuss with your healthcare provider how you can manage symptoms and reduce the risk of developing arthritis. You may wish to try dressing warmly and exercising indoors. A heat therapy session can be helpful, too. When combined with a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, it is an excellent anti-inflammatory treatment.
While there is no cure for arthritis, many medications are effective in reducing pain and inflammation. A rheumatologist specializes in treating rheumatic diseases and can prescribe medicine that targets the inflammatory response in the body. Physical therapy will improve range of motion, strength, and mobility, and will teach techniques to reduce arthritic pain. In addition to medications, other treatments may include physical therapy and surgery. Physical therapy will improve strength and mobility in the affected area, while joint immobilization will protect the affected area.
CDC-recognized arthritis interventions
The CDC’s arthritis program has made a major commitment to improving the quality of life for millions of people living with arthritis. Through partnerships with state and national health organizations, CDC recognizes several physical activity programs and self-management education programs that address the specific needs of arthritis patients. These programs may be delivered in English or Spanish. A key component of CDC-recognized arthritis interventions is their dissemination.
CDC-recognized arthritis intervention outcomes may be improved by enhancing access to the evidence-based programs. CDC-recognized arthritis interventions are often delivered as self-management education workshops. The workshops are community-based and teach participants skills for self-management of chronic conditions. They may also help reduce pain and improve quality of life for adults with arthritis. In addition to supporting these programs, the CDC has a number of resources to help public health practitioners implement them and disseminate the findings of the studies.
The CDC funds 18 evidence-based arthritis interventions, including exercise programs. These programs are available to patients living with arthritis and their families. Some of these programs are specifically designed for Spanish-speaking adults. The Osteoarthritis Action Alliance lists these programs and provides a comprehensive description. Another CDC-recognized program is the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program, a water-based exercise program for individuals with arthritis.
CDC-recognized arthritis intervention
Community-based arthritis programs
In addition to providing a range of evidence-based services, the community-based arthritis programs offered by the Arthritis Foundation also educate individuals on safe physical activity. A panel of experts with expertise in the fields of arthritis, AAEBIs, and program evaluation evaluated the programs and selected those that meet the foundation’s criteria. The foundation recognizes these programs and encourages organizations to expand their offerings. This means that more communities can provide arthritis services.
The YMCA of the USA has been around for over 150 years and has been working to meet the needs of their communities. For example, they’ve started to offer AAEBIs like EnhanceFitness to help people living with arthritis manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. You can search for a YMCA in your area by visiting their website. You can also look for a nearby community program in NACDD’s Arthritis Portfolio.
Another program that incorporates physical activity is Walk With Ease. These programs are geared toward older adults with arthritis but are open to individuals of all ages and physical abilities. The program includes pre-walk informational lecturettes and stretching exercises. Afterwards, participants will walk for at least ten minutes, and will be accompanied by a certified Walk With Ease leader. Participants can expect a socialization time with other participants, warm-up and cool-down periods, and the opportunity to participate in the program.
Another community-based program is the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program. This is a recreational, low-impact exercise program designed for people with arthritis. Exercise instructors guide participants through a range of exercises that improve range of motion, strength, and mobility. Participants can also learn about the foundation’s health education programs. These programs are offered at fitness centers, YMCAs, community organizations, and retirement and assisted living facilities.
Occupational therapy
The goals of occupational therapy are to help patients perform their daily activities with less stress and strain. They teach methods for reducing joint strain, adapting their environments, and preventing loss of function. In addition, they teach techniques for stress management, energy conservation, and joint protection. All of these factors contribute to a full life, which is crucial for managing arthritis symptoms. Here are some ways to get started on the path to a fuller, more enjoyable life.
Cheryl Crow is an Occupational Therapist and a rheumatoid arthritis patient. She is dedicated to helping others manage chronic joint pain. She has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis herself and developed a support program for people affected by the disease. Her podcast, Arthritis Life, features articles, videos, and podcasts for people affected by arthritis. It’s a great place to get the latest news about the disease and how to cope with it.
The Arthritis Foundation has used occupational therapy as part of its secondary prevention services for over four decades. These services have primarily consisted of educational classes aimed at individuals and groups with arthritis. Occupational therapists teach patients exercises to increase energy conservation and increase joint protection. Additionally, they promote activities that include meaningful occupational balance. A comprehensive assessment will help identify the most appropriate therapy plan. If you’re looking for an alternative to physical therapy, consider seeking out Occupational Therapy for Arthritis Foundation services.
As with any treatment, exercise is important to improving mobility and range of motion. Exercises should be tailored to a patient’s abilities. However, exercise should be part of an overall OA therapy program. This way, exercise can help patients manage pain and avoid the need for surgery. And if the patient can’t perform exercises, an Occupational Therapist can help them learn the proper way to do them at home. And if the pain is severe, they can teach the patient how to manage the symptoms of the disease by performing exercises at home.
Aquatic program
The Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program focuses on water-based activities for people with arthritis or related conditions. Unlike other forms of exercise, water activity helps keep the joints and muscles supple, reducing pain and improving daily function. The program features activities such as stretching, breathing and joint range of motion, and is designed to help people of all ages with arthritis or musculoskeletal conditions get in shape. It meets two or three times a week.
The Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program is a fun recreational group exercise program in warm water. The program offers gentle activities to reduce joint pain, improve muscle strength and range of motion, and even provide a social setting. The program is divided into two levels: Basic and Plus. The Basic level provides exercises to improve muscle strength and range of motion, while the Plus level adds progressions and variety. The Arthritis Classes are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Those unable to participate in Water Aerobics can sign up for the class instead.
The Aquatic Program is a low-cost, community-based exercise program for people with arthritis. The program meets at local swimming pools and is supported by the Aquatic Exercise Association. Participants learn how to do safe stretching exercises, improve range of motion, and increase endurance. The water temperature is usually between eighty and ninety degrees. This warm temperature helps the muscles and joints relax and reduce pain. The warm water also improves flexibility.
The Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program Leader workshop covers the theory and movement skills to teach the program to participants with arthritis. The workshop also covers how to plan a lesson plan and incorporate it into the program. In addition to the aquatic environment, participants learn about aquatic safety. Regardless of whether you teach a group exercise or a single class, this training is valuable for any fitness professional. So, if you’d like to learn how to teach the program, sign up!
——————————————————————————————————————————————-
This blog is a source of general information and discussion on health and related topics. Information and materials on this blog, on the website, or in any of the connected materials are not intended to replace or used as a substitute for the advice of a medical professional, diagnosis, or treatment. This blog does not represent the application of any nursing, medical or other health professional advice or diagnosis. We are unable to diagnose health conditions, offer second opinions or provide specific treatment recommendations via this blog or on our website.
If you or another person is suffering from a medical issue and you are concerned, consult your doctor or seek out other medical professional treatment as soon as possible. Do not disregard medical advice from a professional or delay seeking it due to information you seen on the blog or website or in any of the linked materials. If you're experiencing an emergency medical situation, dial 911 or seek emergency medical assistance on the closest phone immediately.
——————————————————————————————————————————————
Leave a Reply