Staying healthy and feeling good are getting more and more challenging these days.
You remember when you were young that your mom would talk about needing to take your grandmother to appointments at her rheumatologist, but you never imagined that you would be doing the same for your mom years later, or that even later you would be searching for the best rheumatologists for yourself. As you find yourself dealing with more and more pain, however, you realize that this is reality that your own children and grandchildren will likely have to deal with.
Treating rheumatic diseases can be a challenge, but if you find the right doctor and follow all of the guidelines that doctor gives you, as well as watching your diet and getting regular exercise when you can, you may be able to live a more comfortable life.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a complicated condition that is characterized by inflamed joint lining. As an indicator of how pervasive these conditions can be consider the fact that by the year 2040 an estimated 78 million U.S. adults ages 18 years or older are projected to have doctor-diagnosed arthritis. This represents nearly 26% of all people in this country, meaning that as many as one in four people might find themselves dealing with conditions that require the advice of a doctor, or team of doctors, who can offer options for rheumatic diseases treatments.
Partly because of genetics, eating habits, or limited exercise, and partly because of living longer, there are more and more people who will need the help of doctors who are skilled in the treatment of rheumatic diseases. The fact that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention March 2017 Vital Signs report announced data estimating that 54.4 million U.S. adults suffer from arthritis means that there will also be one in four Americans dealing with this condition.
Even people who have lived healthy lives full of regular amounts of exercise and healthy eating can find themselves suffering from painful conditions as they age. Fortunately, there are a growing number of doctors who specialize in helping the 25% of future Americans who will have arthritis or rheumatic diseases.
