Minneapolis Residents, Here’s How To Manage Winter Arthritis

This article is not medical advice.

Snow and frigid temperatures can make getting out and about an even bigger challenge for people who experience achy and sore joints. Add in an unforgiving Minneapolis winter, and the level of discomfort only increases.

Osteoarthritis is a common condition that affects more than 30 million people in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While it causes wear and tear on the body, it also results in joint damage over time that can lead to painful symptoms that, without maintenance, can potentially become more severe.

To help keep you active and healthy this winter, here’s what Minneapolis residents should know about osteoarthritis.

What Is Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis, also known as OA, is a common condition that occurs as a person’s cartilage — the material that covers the bones and creates a smooth, cushioned surface for movement — and bone wear down over time. OA usually affects people over 50, and 32.5 million people have it, according to the CDC. Younger people can also have arthritis, especially those who have experienced injuries or joint overuse, because “wear and tear” on the body is one cause of osteoarthritis. Typically, it affects a person’s hands, hips and knees.

While wear can cause erosion of the bone and surrounding tissues, osteoarthritis also causes inflammation within the joints. That inflammation also contributes to joint damage and causes some of the symptoms associated with the condition.

What Causes Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis affects each person differently. It’s also not known why some people are more at risk for the degenerative joint disease. There are some known risk factors, including:

• Older age: A person’s risk increases as they age.
• Prior injuries: If you’ve ever had a broken bone or joint, you’re more likely to develop the condition.
• Overuse: If you overuse a joint, it can lead to osteoarthritis.
• Obesity: Additional weight can put more stress on joints, which can lead to or speed up the condition.
• Poor physical condition: Weak muscles can contribute to osteoarthritis when the muscles can’t keep joints aligned properly, leading to abnormal stress and friction on joints and cartilage.
• Genetics: Osteoarthritis tends to run in families, so genetics may play a role, according to the National Institutes of Health.
• Sex: Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men.

What Are Symptoms Of Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis usually develops in the hands, hips and knees. The severity of symptoms varies from person to person, with some people experiencing mild symptoms while for others it may cause severe or debilitating symptoms. Some common symptoms include:

• Pain, particularly with activity or weight-bearing activities.
• Joint stiffness, which is usually more pronounced in the morning.
• Joint swelling.
• Clicking, popping or scraping sounds with joint movement.
• Decreased range of motion due to pain, swelling or changes in the joint’s shape with osteoarthritis.

How Do I Know If I Have Arthritis?

To get an accurate diagnosis, you will need to talk with a medical provider. Most people see their primary care doctor, but some may also choose to talk with an orthopedist, sports medicine specialist or rheumatologist.

During an exam — and based on your symptoms and descriptions — a medical provider may be able to make a diagnosis. In some cases, additional testing may be required, including X-rays. Another form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can have some of the same symptoms as osteoarthritis, but it is much different and is an inflammatory, autoimmune disease. A medical provider should be able to make an osteoarthritis diagnosis based on what the X-rays reveal.

Depending on the X-rays, you may need additional testing, including blood work, which is helpful in a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis. Because rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, certain markers appear in the blood that otherwise wouldn’t show up if a person had osteoarthritis.

If you think you may have osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, GoodRx Care can help. With GoodRx Care, you can connect to a doctor within minutes and without needing to make an office visit. Should your doctor prescribe medication, whether over-the-counter or prescription, GoodRx can help you find the most affordable options at a nearby pharmacy in your area.

How Can I Prevent Osteoarthritis?

While it’s not always possible to avoid osteoarthritis before it starts, the Arthritis Foundation says there are some steps you can take to prevent or slow its progression, including:

• Maintaining a healthy weight: Watching your weight minimizes stress on your joints.
• Exercising consistently: Doing regular low-impact exercise regularly, such as walking and swimming, helps keep joints strong and aligned. Exercising 30 minutes a day, five days a week, can help prevent osteoarthritis.
• Protecting your joints: Do this as much as possible, along with exercising regularly and stretching.

What Medications Can I Take For Osteoarthritis?

A variety of medications can be taken to help treat osteoarthritis. Some are available over the counter, while others may be only available with a prescription. Examples of medications used to treat osteoarthritis include:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol).
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as ibuprofen.
• Topical medications such as lidocaine or capsaicin creams.
• Prescription pain medications such as oxycodone or hydrocodone/acetaminophen may be prescribed temporarily if the pain is more severe.

In most cases, NSAID medications are effective at treating joint pain. But not everyone requires medication, and some people do not need medication for their osteoarthritis.

How Can I Reduce My Arthritis pain?

While the aches and pains from osteoarthritis can make it difficult to move around, exercise is one of the best ways to fight pain and stiffness associated with RA, according to the Arthritis Foundation. A good exercise program will include:

• Strength training: This builds muscle around the joints and helps relieve stress.
• Range of motion or stretching: These types of exercises improve mobility, reduce stiffness and keep joints moving.
• Aerobic or cardio: Doing aerobic activities increases stamina and energy, leading to weight loss, which is helpful for joints.
• Balance: Working on your balance not only strengthens the small muscles around the knees and ankles but also helps to prevent falls, which can be more common with people who have osteoarthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation.

Are There Treatments Available?

Along with watching your weight and following a consistent exercise routine, there are some other treatments that can be done alone or in combination with medications to reduce symptoms and the progression of osteoarthritis, including:

Physical therapy: A physical therapist will incorporate exercises that strengthen the muscles around the joints to stabilize them and keep them in alignment.

Joint Injections: This is a minor procedure where a medical provider injects medications directly into the joints to reduce the symptoms and swelling from osteoarthritis. Injections may include lubricants such as hyaluronate, corticosteroids or numbing medications such as lidocaine.

Surgery: People with severe symptoms that aren’t improving with other treatments may require surgery, including:

• Arthroscopy: This is a minimally invasive surgery where a surgeon uses a tool to repair damaged joints.
• Joint replacement: Also known as arthroplasty, this involves removing the joint and replacing it with an artificial joint.

How To Find Affordable Care?

When you need to speak with a doctor or prefer to meet virtually, GoodRx Care is an affordable option that is available nationwide, allowing you to connect with licensed medical providers who can provide help diagnosing an illness or refilling a prescription.

If you need prescription medication, you can find the most affordable options available in your area with the GoodRx app. The app is easy to use and lets you compare prices at nearby pharmacies and get free coupons — no printing required. The app is easy to use and, most importantly, it’s free. Learn more about how you can save money on prescriptions and get the health care you need at GoodRx.

Download the GoodRx app or use the drug search tool on GoodRx.com to find the lowest price on your prescriptions.