Each year, May is recognized as National Arthritis Awareness Month by The Arthritis Foundation. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. The first steps in conquering arthritis are learning the facts, understanding your condition, and knowing that help is by your side. At Feet First Foot Care, we want all our Middlesex County patients to have accessible and reliable resources. Below you will find information to help you learn more about arthritis, and how you can get involved this May during Arthritis Awareness Month. 

What Is Arthritis? 

Arthritis is not a single disease; it is an informal way of referring to joint pain or joint disease. There are more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions. But there are three major forms of arthritis. These are:

• Osteoarthritis – This is the most common form of arthritis, which results in the wearing down of the cartilage at the ends of bones. Osteoarthritis leads to bone rubbing against bone, causing pain.
• Rheumatoid arthritis – is an autoimmune disease that causes an inflammatory reaction to occur in the synovium or lining of the joints. Eventually, this will cause the joints to deteriorate.
• Psoriatic arthritis – occurs in people who have psoriasis. It affects the joints as well as the ligaments and tendons that attach to the bones.

Common Signs and Symptoms Associated with Arthritis 

People of all ages, sexes, and races can and do have arthritis. It is most common among women and occurs more frequently as people get older. Common symptoms of arthritis include:

1. Pain
2. Swelling
3. Stiffness
4. Difficulty Moving a Joint

When To See a Podiatrist

It is always ideal to track signs and symptoms of pain. This will help you to be able to communicate to your podiatrist your experience. If you ever have a fever among these symptoms, we recommend calling your doctor as soon as possible. Getting an accurate diagnosis is an important step to getting timely medical care for your condition. To schedule an appointment with board-certified podiatrist Dr. Adam Mucinskas at our Cromwell, Connecticut office call (860)-632-5499 or visit our website. 

Arthritis Prevention and Other Helpful Resources

• Stay Active
• Keep A Positive Attitude 
• Inflammatory Arthritis and Gut Health
• Tips For Arranging a Healthy Work Space
• Arthritis Self Management
•  Healthy Feet Rely on Strong Bones