Is rheumatoid arthritis causing your achy joints? Good Samaritan Hospital program can help

DOWNERS GROVE – Many people think of arthritis as something that affects only the elderly. But there are more than 100 different types of this common condition, including one type of chronic arthritis that typically affects people between the ages of 25 and 55: rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis is one of the most common conditions in America – one in five of people have been diagnosed by a physician. But how can you tell when swelling or pain signifies a stiff joint or something more serious?

“All types of arthritis cause pain from inflammation, which can lead to damage in the joints,” says Dr. Ellen Voronov, a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation who treats patients at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital. “Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system attacks your body’s own tissues.”

A new education, motivation and empowerment program for people recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis will take place from 1:30-4:30 pm June 10 in the Good Samaritan Health and Wellness Center. The program was developed by the Arthritis Foundation. For more information, email Christine.Cornell@advocatehealth.com or call 630-275-2283.

Although studies are still determining what causes rheumatoid arthritis, genetics, the environment and hormones may play a role.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of chronic arthritis that typically occurs in joints on both sides of the body, such as hands, wrists, shoulders, knees, ankles and feet.

Different types of arthritis require different treatments, which is why a proper and timely diagnosis is so important. Voronov advises people to see your doctor if the following symptoms have lasted for more than two weeks:

• Ongoing joint pain
• Joint swelling or stiffness
• Warmth and redness in a joint
• Problems moving a joint

In addition to affecting the joints, rheumatoid arthritis may occasionally affect the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, blood, or nerves.

There are many different ways to treat rheumatoid arthritis, including medications, rest and exercise, and surgery to correct damage to the joint. The type of treatment will depend on several factors, including the patient’s age, overall health, medical history, and severity of the arthritis.

Voronov offers the following tips to give your joints much needed relief at home:

1. Manage any underlying chronic conditions, such as diabetes
2. Maintain a healthy weight
3. Start practicing pilates or yoga to gain flexibility
4. Exercise in a warm pool to avoid pressure on the joints
5. Eat a diet high in fiber, vegetables, fish, nuts and whole grains
6. Reduce your intake of red meat, dairy and eggs
7. Avoid tobacco and alcohol
8. During a flare-up, take oral or topical anti-inflammatory medications

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Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital is committed to providing excellent care and a high level of service. Over the past 35 years, it has evolved into a recognized leader in health care. Deemed one of the nation’s 100 Top Hospitals by Truven Health Analytics four of the past five years, Good Samaritan Hospital is the only health care organization in the nation to earn the prestigious 2010 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Good Samaritan Hospital features DuPage County’s only Level I trauma center and a certified Level III neonatal intensive care unit. The hospital is noted for cancer care, women and children’s services and surgical services and has received the American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet® designation, the highest honor and level of recognition awarded to nursing excellence in national and international health care. Good Samaritan Hospital is part of Advocate Health Care.