Increasing numbers of American women are becoming obese and physically inactive, leading to more women experiencing arthritis.
While women in the United States have an arthritis prevalence of over 23 percent, women in Canada have a significantly lower rate of 19.6 percent, according to a new Toronto Western Research Institute study, which compared data from both countries.
“Our study results suggest that the higher prevalence of arthritis in the U.S. may be a consequence of greater obesity and physical inactivity in that country, particularly in women,” says lead author Elizabeth Badley.
“Public health initiatives that promote healthy weight and physical activity may benefit from including arthritis concerns in its message, and could potentially reduce the incidence of arthritis,” Badley says. The study appears in the March issue of the journal Arthritis Care & Research.
Certain factors have been shown to be associated with a greater risk of arthritis. Some of these risk factors are modifiable while others are not.
Modifiable risk factors include:
• Overweight and obesity. Excess weight can result in knee osteoarthritis.
• Infection. Microbial agents can infect joints and contribute to the development of multiple forms of arthritis.
• Joint damage. Injury can result in the development of joint osteoarthritis.
Acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and massage therapy can aid in alleviating the pain, stiffness and inflammation associated with all types of arthritis. Traditional Chinese medicine uses a multidimensional approach, treating arthritis with acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, bodywork, diet modification, and supplements as necessary depending on the type of arthritis and the symptoms.
Acupuncture & Massage College’s Community Clinic offers acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine and massage therapy for the treatment of arthritis and a wide range of other health conditions. To schedule an appointment call (305) 595-9500. For information about AMC’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs ask for Joe Calareso, Admissions Director.
Arthritis results in pain that can be debilitating. massage therapy while being able to aid pain relief would not be sufficient and keeping a healthy lifestyle of regular exercises and healthy eating is just as important
Arthritis is a disease that affects millions of people worldwide, many factors including feeding and allergies are caused by certain foods that trigger inflammation in the joints, but as well as some foods produce inflammation of the are so many foods that prevent and counteract these inflammatory fatty fish such as ginger.