May is national arthritis month

Baltimore, MD - May is National Arthritis Month and those who suffer with arthritis on a daily basis can tell you it is a difficult condition to deal with.

Today on Good Morning Maryland @ 9, Jamie sat down with Dr. Mark Deitch from OrthMaryland who discussed treatment options and more on what people deal with. Here is some of the information the doctor shared:
• There are two kinds of arthritis: osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis. The great majority of people suffer from osteoarthritis, which is a degeneration of joint cartilage.
• It may seem that arthritis is afflicting more and more people today but that is not the case. People are more active later into their life so they are suffering with arthritis at an earlier age and for longer periods of time.
• Arthritis of the hand is quite common and often found in the base of the thumb. Arthritis in this location is four times more common in women than men and can start as early as 40, and continue, sometimes with greater frequency as people age.
• Arthritis should be diagnosed by a physician with a thorough exam and x-rays. Just because a joint hurts, doesn’t mean you have arthritis.
• There are many factors to consider when thinking about arthritis treatments. Does your arthritis impact your daily occupational function or is it something that only flares up while engaged in hobbies or other infrequent activities?
• All treatment regimens should be discussed with a doctor. There are over the counter, as well as prescription anti-inflammatory medications. Cortisone is another option that may be discussed with a doctor if oral medication doesn’t work.

Megan then talked with Julie Belkin who suffers from arthrtis and is the founder and president of 3-Point Products, a Stevensville company that helps people who suffer from arthritis....

Julie's company has created instruments and treatments for people with arthritis to use so they can fully function...She explained the following to Megan Pringle and to viewers of Good Morning Maryland.

•The importance of receiving an arthritis diagnosis from a doctor who will assess your personal situation and move forward to give your the best quality of life possible.
•One important component of any arthritis treatment is to find a qualified, good therapist who will work with you to provide relief through exercises and daily regimens that enable individuals to regain a quality of life.
•A good therapist will carefully assess a patient and recommend any appropriate tools and supports that may be helpful for the patient to wear or use on a regular basis to assist in their daily activities.
•How to incorporate adaptive devices into one’s lifestyle and demonstrate some tricks for better handling arthritis.
•The importance of keeping the joints active and moving. Movement keeps the joints lubricated and prevents greater stiffening, which can lead to increased pain and loss of motion.
•How and when one should consider using a support or splint. When fit properly, supports and splints relieve joint pressure, enabling arthritis patients to have greater range of motion with less pain and discomfort.

Watch Dr. Deitch's interview and hear Julie's story on how you can prevent arthritis by clicking on the video link.