Does joint stiffness and pain slow you down and keep you from doing activities you love?  If you so, it may help to realize you are not alone! Joint pain is the leading cause of disability in the U.S today. According to the Centers for Disease Control an estimated 25.7 million adults are limited in their usual activities because of arthritis pain. That number is expected to grow to 35 million by 2040. 

Arthritis isn’t a single disease; the term refers to joint pain or joint disease, and there are more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions.  

How do you know if you have arthritis?  According to the Arthritis Foundation, common symptoms can include swelling, pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion in joints. Pain is usually worse in the morning or after sitting in one place for an extended period.  Usually, a distinguishing sign of arthritis is pain that is worse when you first start moving the joint, but after easing into movement, the pain decreases. You have probably heard the adage “Motion is Lotion.” This slogan is popular because the best medicine for arthritis is often movement, stretching and strengthening of the muscles surrounding the joints.

Symptoms of joint pain may vary from mild to severe and may come and go. Arthritis can result in severe chronic pain that makes it difficult to perform daily activities such as walking or climbing stairs. 

If you are suffering from joint pain, you likely are looking for information and resources about what can be done to prevent and relieve pain, and how can you return to some of the activities you love. There are many things that can be done to decrease you pain and increase your ability to return to activities you love.  

If you are looking for solutions the Arthritis Foundation is a great resource.

The Arthritis Foundation (AF) is a non-profit voluntary health organization dedicated to supporting research into the prevention and cure of arthritis and providing services to improve the quality of life for affected individuals.

The Arthritis Foundation is sponsoring a FREE Health fair in Simpsonville October 5th from 11:30 to 1:30. The fair will be held at 

GroupHab Physical Therapy at 100 Allawood Ct, Simpsonville, 29681.

The health fair will include a free lunch, educational table, free resources and materials as well as informative presentations. 

Below is the presentation schedule. 

• 11:30-11:45 Pain Management with Brenda Gerlach, MPT

• 12:00-12:15 Managing Arthritis at Home with Jane Martin, OT 

• 12:30-1:00 Navigating the Healthcare System with Stewart Smith, LUTCF & RICP

• 1:15-1:30 Stretching for Arthritis with Patrice Hazan, DPT

Attendance is free, but space is limited, so please RSVP at 864-525-2654  to save your spot.

If you have questions or want to learn more, please call 864-525-2654 or email info@grouphab.com■