Have you ever woken up experiencing joint pain with no clear cause? Or perhaps it happened suddenly, during your day, without any prior strain or exertion on your part. It’s quite possible that you’re experiencing the dreaded condition known as arthritis, something that becomes more common as we age. But while the pain may frustrate and dishearten those with a new diagnosis, arthritis is manageable and doesn’t have to be a roadblock to a happy and active lifestyle as we age.
What are the causes?
Arthritis, generally speaking, can refer to different forms of pain, swelling, or stiffness in your joints. It’s not a single condition with a single cause, but rather an umbrella term that can describe many different joint conditions.
Because of this broad definition, it’s hard to nail down one specific cause of arthritis without a doctor’s diagnosis, as everyone’s experience is different. One thing we can say with certainty, however, is that there is no truth to the old myth that cracking your knuckles will lead to arthritis! If you are a habitual knuckle cracker, you can sleep soundly, knowing that you are not directly responsible for your pain.
Before seeking care, you’ll want to talk to your doctor to narrow down the specific cause of your joint pain and find a treatment path. By guessing as to the source of your pain, you could be choosing the wrong treatment entirely. For example, osteoarthritis has a mechanical cause, where joint tissue has been worn away over time. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, needs a completely different treatment, as it is caused by an autoimmune condition resulting in your body fighting against itself. And those are just two of the many common forms of arthritis.
Help from your pharmacy team
Once you know what the cause of your arthritis is, your ARTARx pharmacy team can help you find the right treatment that works for you, as well as help you manage any side effects or conflicts with other medications that may occur.
And pharmacists are experts on more than just medication, so be sure to ask about non-prescription aids as well. There are many myths (and truths) to navigate when it comes to arthritis care, and a pharmacist is well equipped to help you sort through them. Supplements, hot and cool packs, braces, and more — there is a lot to sort through, and it helps to have an expert on your side.
So, if you have been living with arthritis, book an appointment with your pharmacist today. Relief could be closer than you thought.