1 In 3 Rural Residents Has Arthritis!

1 in 3 rural residents has arthritis according to The Center for Disease Control.  More than half of those residents has limitations in daily activities.

A survey of over 426,000 adults across the U.S. asked if they had ever been told by a doctor that they had some form of arthritis.  Overall, 1 in 5 (22.7%) reported yes.

Among rural residents, however, the rate was higher at 31.8%.  Authors of the study speculated that rural populations may have a higher risk because the residents tend to be:

  •     older
  •     more obese
  •     have a lower income.

Rural areas also reported higher numbers of activity limitations.  56.7% or rural residents with arthritis issues admitted to lower levels of activity due to pain and mobility issues.  This compares to 42% in urban areas.

A lack of sidewalks, long distances between locations and an absence of  reasons to walk to destinations are possible factors in the discrepancy.

The study encouraged health-care providers in rural areas to suggest a more active lifestyle to their patients.

The safest and most productive way to accomplish this is to see a physical therapist.  They can offer stretching and manual therapy treatments that will safely work out your stiffness.  Then a personally tailored home exercise program will give you the tools you need to manage your condition after therapy is finished.

 

There are also community-based programs that offer guidance on forming arthritis social groups.  These increase  levels of activity among those challenged with pain and immobility:

Don’t give up doing the things you love because of pain and immobility caused by arthritis!  Call Body Balance Physical Therapy today and “Move More, Live More!”