Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, and roughly one in five adults live with some form of the condition. It is not just older adults who are affected either. Hundreds of thousands of children and adolescents have arthritis as well. While arthritis can cause significant pain, stiffness and reduced mobility, there is a lot you can do to manage your symptoms and maintain a full and active life.

Signs, symptoms of arthritis

The most common symptoms of arthritis are felt in the joints, but symptoms will vary depending on the type of arthritis. Some types bring on symptoms that come and go in flare-ups, while others cause a persistent, steady pain or stiffness. Often, symptoms will get worse as you age.

The most common symptoms include:

– Joint pain

– Swelling or inflammation

– Stiffness or decreased range of motion

– Skin discoloration around the affected joint

– Tenderness, sensitivity to touch or a feeling of warmth near the joint

Talk to your doctor

Start by learning as much as you can about your specific type of arthritis. Your health care provider is your best resource. They can build a personalized treatment plan, guide you through managing day-to-day pain and help you adapt to changes in mobility. If your condition evolves, alert your provider about any new or changing symptoms.

Exercise

“Even though it may seem like the last thing you should do, exercise is one of the best ways to manage arthritis,” said Marianne L. Shaw, MD, a board-certified rheumatologist with Penn Highlands Rheumatology. “Staying active improves flexibility, strengthens the muscles around your joints and can reduce both pain and stiffness.”

It also helps with weight management. Even modest weight loss can ease joint pain and improve your range of motion.

Not all types of movement are good for arthritis, however. High-impact activities like running or jumping and repetitive-motion sports like tennis can put unnecessary stress on your joints. Instead, choose low-impact exercises that build strength and endurance, such as walking, cycling and swimming. A physical or occupational therapist can design a program tailored specifically to your needs and limitations.

Dietary changes

The foods you choose can work for or against your arthritis. Beyond supporting a healthy weight, certain foods fight inflammation and may help slow the progression of your symptoms, while others can make them worse.

“Foods high in saturated fat and refined carbohydrates are strongly linked to increased arthritis symptoms, so limiting them is a good place to start,” said [provider].

Instead, build your meals around foods known to reduce inflammation and support joint health:

– Fish (especially fatty fish like salmon and sardines)

– Nuts and seeds, in moderate amounts

– Olive, avocado, safflower and walnut oil

– Beans and legumes, especially small red beans, red kidney beans and pinto beans

– Whole grains (if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, choose gluten-free grains)

– Nightshade vegetables, such as eggplant, tomatoes, red bell peppers and potatoes

Medication

Your health care provider may recommend medications, either over-the-counter, prescription or a combination of both, to help keep your pain under control. Common options include:

– Pain relievers such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which work by reducing swelling and inflammation

– Topical creams or gels applied directly to the skin for temporary relief

– Injections delivered into the space around the joint, such as corticosteroids to reduce inflammation or hyaluronic acid to restore cushioning