Almost every day, we talk with someone who says they “have” arthritis like it’s a death sentence: doomed to pain and unable to enjoy life. Often, a doctor took an image, spotted some arthritis, and now that’s all the patient can think about, even in a body part that didn’t hurt before. But is arthritis really the problem? Did it just appear the day the pain started?
What arthritis actually is
There are several forms of arthritis, but the most common is osteoarthritis: a change in joint surfaces from normal wear and tear over time. It’s part of normal aging. If you have enough birthdays, you’ll likely develop some arthritis, and most people are just fine. Arthritis doesn’t appear overnight: it develops over years, sometimes sped up by genetics or an old injury, but time is always part of the equation.
Right now, millions of people are walking around with arthritis and are not limited or slowed down by it. Arthritis does not automatically mean pain and inactivity.
What not to do
- Don’t sit around and do nothing. Over time, inactivity leads to muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and a reduced tolerance for activity.
- Don’t assume pills solve the problem. Long-term use can carry real side effects, and pills only mask symptoms, they don’t address the cause.
- Don’t assume surgery is the answer. Rehab is necessary after surgery anyway, so it’s worth exploring what conservative care can do first.
- Don’t assume nothing can be done. That’s only true if nothing is tried.
What to do instead
- Stay active. Moving, even just walking, keeps muscles, joints, ligaments, and bones healthier and reduces the risk of secondary issues from being sedentary.
- Find exercise you actually enjoy. Exercise stimulates endorphins that help both body and mind feel better.
- See a physical therapist. A good evaluation listens, examines, and builds a plan around your actual goals. Starting early tends to lead to better outcomes than waiting until things get severe.
If you’re tired of feeling limited by arthritis and ready to do something about it, let’s have a conversation.
— Dr. John-Mark Chesney