May is Arthritis Awareness Month. Arthritis is the number one cause of disability in the country, impacting 24% of adults in the United States. Unfortunately these numbers are only going to keep growing. Now is the time to take a stand.
The term “arthritis” refers to any disorder that affects the joints. Arthritis is often associated with joint inflammation, causing pain and stiffness in the body, sometimes making it difficult to move. Arthritis Awareness Month is an opportunity to learn more about arthritis and its causes, symptoms, and treatments. Its a great opportunity to share resources and information among community members.
What is Arthritis?
There are actually more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions. “Arthritis” itself isn’t a disease but rather the term refers to joint pain or joint disease. Common arthritis symptoms include swelling, pain, and stiffness in joints as well as diminished range of motion. Symptoms often vary from mild to severe. Some may come and go, with others staying the same for years. Symptoms can also progress and get worse overtime. Severe arthritis can result in chronic pain and difficulty performing daily activities.
Among the most common types of arthritis include Osteoarthritis (OA) and Rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Osteoarthritis is the most common and it can affect nearly all joints but mainly occurs in the hands, spine, hips, and knees. With OA, the bones in the affected joints become weaker, the connective tissue holding the joint together deteriorates, and inflammation can damage the joint lining. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common form of autoimmune inflammatory arthritis, a disease where the immune system is overactive and attacks healthy tissue in the joints. RA is usually caused by external factors in the environment, such as a virus, stress, or smoking.
The Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation is leading the way to conquer arthritis and its effects. Through their advocacy efforts at the state and federal level, their cutting-edge scientific research, and their tools and resources, they are helping those affected live their best life.
Arthritis Foundation Car Donation
Support the Arthritis Foundation by making a car donation. At Car Donation Wizard, we return at least 80% of the gross proceeds from the sale of your vehicle to the Arthritis Foundation. Car Donation Wizard has proudly raised over $250 million for our charity partners and accepts all car donations, trucks, motorcycles, boats, snowmobiles, trailers, and RV’s.
Make an impact by donating your car online or calling us at 877-957-2277!