A study published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report suggests that arthritis worsens symptoms for other chronic health issues.
While the relationship was previously known, researchers say just how much of an impact arthritis has on other conditions was under-appreciated, and they suggest the findings should impact treatment strategies.
“[People with arthritis and one or more chronic conditions had] significant and progressively higher prevalences of social participation restriction, serious psychological distress, and work limitations,” said lead researcher Jin Qin, ScD. “Arthritis alone had a greater impact on social participation restriction and work disability than having one of the other chronic conditions, and arthritis as one of multiple chronic conditions was associated with higher prevalences of adverse impact on all three life domains. These consequences have profound public health implications because social activity participation, mental health, and the ability to work can be important contributors to quality of life.”
Arthritis Study
For their study, researchers analyzed the health records of nearly 35,000 adults. Physicians determined which patients had arthritis, as well as other chronic conditions like hypertension, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, asthma, cancer or failing kidneys. They also asked patients about their social activities, psychological feelings and employment limitations. After looking at the data, researchers uncovered:
- Nearly 75 percent of patients with arthritis had at least one additional chronic condition.
- Women older than 65 who were overweight and were a current or former smoker were at the highest risk for additional chronic conditions.
- Social, physiological and work-life conditions were all worsened by the presence of chronic conditions. People with no chronic conditions reported the fewest limitations, followed by someone with one condition, someone with two chronic conditions, and finally a patient with arthritis and one chronic condition.
- 15.6 perfect of people with arthritis experienced some form of work limitations, compared to 8.6 percent without arthritis.
- 3.7 percent of people with arthritis experienced some sort of social participation restrictions, compared to 2.1 percent of people without arthritis.
- 9.9 percent of people with arthritis experienced some form of psychological distress, compared to 6.8 percent of people with two or more chronic conditions, none of which being arthritis.
Dr. Silverman comments
It’s clear that arthritis is one of the most debilitating conditions in terms of affecting your physical, mental and social health. With arthritis, it’s important to do everything in your power to manage symptoms. This means:
- Getting regular exercise
- Eating a health diet
- Taking anti-inflammatory medications
Additionally, it’s important to make time for the important people in your life. Social and mental exercises are just as important to overall health as physical exercise.