Reduce Stress to Lower Risk of Arthritis

May is Arthritis Awareness Month. About one in four adults has arthritis, a condition caused by inflammation in one or more joints.  This is equivalent to roughly 54.4 million Americans.

Chronic Stress Linked to Arthritis

A new study published in Arthritis Care & Research found a strong association between chronic stress and arthritis development, including rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers examined 54 studies, and 41 studies linked chronic stress and arthritis.

Being under stress can also make arthritis symptoms worse. Pandemic-related job loss, financial strain and mental health pressure due to COVID-19 have caused millions of Americans to experience more anxiety than ever before.

The stress response triggers chemicals like adrenaline and cortisol, increasing muscle tension and setting off an inflammatory response in the immune system. Rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and lupus are all fueled by inflammation. As the duration of stress increases, inflammation levels increase as well and become more destructive.

Although more Americans are receiving COVID-19 vaccinations daily, the pandemic’s effects are projected to continue for several years. One of the best ways to prevent arthritis or manage your arthritic complications is to manage your stress. By implementing stress-management techniques, you can reduce joint pain and improve your quality of life.

Ways to Reduce Stress

Here are three ways to reduce your stress and get joint pain relief:

• Exercise every day—Regular exercise like walking, swimming, biking, and aerobic exercise can help release endorphins, chemicals that boost your mood and decrease feelings of anxiety and depression.
• Yoga and meditation—Deep breathing, movement and mindfulness help slow the pulse and quiet the body to a calm state.
• Find a licensed therapist—Counseling can help you implement cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), a technique that allows you to view your worries from a different perspective (Arthritis Foundation).

Make an appointment with an orthopedist

An orthopedist can help you get your rheumatoid arthritis or other arthritic condition under control by providing you with a treatment plan that may include de-stressing methods, medication, daily exercise and diet modifications.

We have a nationwide network of doctors who are experts in managing joint pain. Click here for a list of ambulatory surgery centers in your area so that you can return to an active lifestyle.

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