Los Alamitos, CA (May 2011) – 100, 65, 46, 39, 16. No, these are not winning lottery ticket numbers. They actually relate to the leading cause of disability in America – arthritis. There are more than 100 different rheumatic diseases and conditions, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus, scleroderma, gout, bursitis and tendonitis. Arthritis is more common among adults over the age of 65, but it can affect people of all ages. Approximately 52 million Americans have arthritis diagnosed by a physician. Arthritis accounts for 39 million doctor visits annually. And, most importantly, the following 16 steps can help you cope with arthritis.

1.  Listen and learn. The more you know about the disease, the better you will be able to manage your condition and live a healthy, active lifestyle.
2.  Don’t ignore symptoms. See your doctor if joint pain, stiffness or swelling lasts longer than two weeks.
3.  Know what kind of arthritis you have. An accurate diagnosis ensures proper treatment that could mean less joint damage or pain.
4.  Lose weight. Excess pounds can put added strain on joints, such as your knees, hips, back and feet.
5.  Stop smoking. Smoking can decrease bone mass, causing osteoporosis and higher risk of fractures.
6.  Get moving. Exercising 30 minutes per day on most days of the week can reduce fatigue, decrease pain, and protect joints by strengthening surrounding muscles.
7.  Eat right. A balanced, healthy diet that includes calcium, vitamin D, vitamin C and other antioxidants can reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
8.  Protect your skin. Protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful rays with sunglasses, hat and sunscreen could lower your risk of developing some forms of arthritis.
9.  Exercise smart. Warm-up properly and wear braces or guards to protect joints and reduce the risk of injury.
10.  Take a break. Repetitive motion may lead to arthritis, so remember to alternate job tasks and avoid using the same joints constantly.
11.  Take medications as directed by your doctor. Arthritis cannot be cured, but medicines can treat the disease and limit symptoms.
12.  Rest and relax. Soaking in a warm bath, taking a hot shower, or getting a massage can help lighten your mood, ease aching joints, and relax muscles.
13.  Cool down. Apply a cold pack to relieve inflammation and muscle spasms by numbing nerves around the affected joint.
14.  Heat things up. Place a warm towel or hot pack on inflamed joints to increase blood flow, pain tolerance, and flexibility.
15.  Protect your joints. Use large joints, such as your arms, to carry things, rather than smaller joints, like your hands.
16.  Use assistive devices. Many devices are available to help relieve pain, such as a walking cane that can lessen weight on a hip or knee affected by arthritis.