Arthritis is one of the most common chronic conditions in the United States. One in five adults suffer from arthritis pain, according to CDC data. While it’s often associated with joint pain, the effects can reach far beyond achy knees or stiff fingers.
Left unmanaged, arthritis can be debilitating, leading to severe and complicated outcomes. It can significantly impact your mobility, your balance, and your ability to perform everyday tasks. Worse, it increases your risk of serious injuries, especially from falls. Let’s explore the dangers of arthritis you might not expect and how to protect yourself.
4 Surprising Dangers of Arthritis
Most people think of arthritis as a normal part of aging. Something you just “live with.” But there are real risks involved with the condition, ones that affect your quality of life and overall health.
1.) Increased Fall Risk
As arthritis progresses, joint pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion make walking, standing, and even shifting your weight more difficult. These mobility challenges, along with weakened muscles and poor balance, dramatically raise your chances of falling.
People with arthritis are 2.5 times more likely to fall or suffer a fall-related injury compared to those without arthritis (Arthritis Foundation).
2.) Driving Becomes More Dangerous
Pain and stiffness in your hands, hips, or knees can make it difficult to steer, brake, or turn your head while driving. This limited mobility can slow your reaction time and make driving hazardous. Not just for you, but for others on the road, too.
3.) Side Effects from Arthritis Medication
Some medications used to treat arthritis can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and brain fog. These side effects can further increase your fall risk or interfere with your ability to do daily tasks.
4.) Higher Risk of Other Health Conditions
Inflammatory forms of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, can increase your risk for heart disease and other serious conditions. Chronic inflammation takes a toll on the body, and unmanaged arthritis may lead to complications beyond the joints.
How to Lower Your Risk of Arthritis
While you can’t always prevent arthritis, you can reduce your risk and slow its progression with a few lifestyle changes:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get regular, joint-friendly exercise
- Avoid smoking
- Protect your joints from injury
Fall Risk Prevention for Arthritis
If you already have arthritis, preventing falls should be a top priority. The impact of a fall can be much more severe for people with joint pain and inflammation.
Here are a few steps you can take:
- Focus on Core Strength: Exercises that strengthen your core muscles can help you maintain your balance and recover more quickly if you stumble.
- Slip-proof Your Home: Simple changes like putting treads on steps, using a non-slip bath mat, and adding rug anchors can make your home safer.
- Get a Fall Risk Assessment: Advanced technologies like Hunova® Technology can analyze your posture, balance, and core stability to predict your risk of falling. With that knowledge, you can make needed adjustments.
Check out this video from Dr. Mike and Dr. Tim for tips on preventing falls and to learn more about Maragal Medical’s free fall risk assessments.
Worried About Falling? Maragal Medical Can Help.
At Maragal Medical, we specialize in helping people with arthritis stay mobile and independent. Our team provides personalized treatment plans designed to improve strength, stability, and flexibility while reducing pain and inflammation. Contact Maragal Medical to schedule your fall risk assessment, and let’s work together to keep you on your feet.