By the end of 2040, the CDC projects the number of doctor-reported cases of arthritis in the United States will be well over 78 million. While many cases go unaccounted for, this number has been growing steadily by about 1 million each year. Although the increasing average life expectancy does play a role in this rising number, the responsibility of fitness and medical fitness professionals to learn how to help the arthritis population is paramount. This is the future of fitness.
What Is Arthritis?
Once thought of as muscle stiffness or soreness from an old injury or simply a sign of old age, arthritis comes in many forms and is characterized by painful inflammation or stiffness of the joints. While some forms of arthritis affect specific areas of the body, others are characterized as an autoimmune disease that not only affect joints, but also various organs throughout the body. Types of arthritis are:
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis — Formerly known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, is the most common type of arthritis in children under the age of 16. It can cause persistent joint pain, swelling and stiffness for a few months or for the rest of their lives. It can also cause growth problems, joint damage and eye inflammation.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis — One of the most common types, rheumatoid arthritis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the joints, beginning with the lining of joints.
- Psoriatic Arthritis — Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis, a condition that features red patches of skin topped with silvery scales.
- Gout — The most painful type of arthritis. Gout is caused by having higher-than-normal levels of uric acid in your body. Gout occurs when the bodily waste product uric acid is deposited in crystals in the joints or soft tissues.
- Reactive Arthritis — Reactive arthritis is joint pain and swelling triggered by an infection in another part of your body, most often your intestines, genitals or urinary tract. Usually targets your knees and the joints of your ankles and feet, but can also affect your eyes, skin and urethra. Reactive arthritis has been called Reiter's syndrome, characterized by eye, urethra and joint inflammation.
- Osteoarthritis — One of the most common types, Osteoarthritis causes cartilage — the hard, slippery tissue that covers the ends of bones where they form a joint — to break down. (This only affects joints,)
- Fibromyalgia — Fibromyalgia symptoms include widespread body pain, fatigue, poor sleep and mood problems. All these symptoms are common to many other conditions. They can occur alone or along with other conditions and can come and go over time.
- Lupus — Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease that occurs when your body's immune system attacks your own tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.
The Public Perception
Turn on the television to view a plethora of commercials produced and sponsored by pharmaceutical companies claiming to treat or cure symptoms of arthritis through pills, injections and infusions. Take “this medicine” and you will magically be able to ride your bike for hours, play golf, practice your guitar, belly dance, run a marathon and more! Although impressive, this marketing is extremely misleading. Listen carefully to the entire commercial and notice the laundry list of side-effects associated with these medications such as: vision problems, chest pain, trouble breathing or swallowing, hives, fever, dizziness, diarrhea, weakened immune system, and much more. Also, be cognizant of the cost for most of these medications as they range anywhere from $3,000-$6,000 before insurance.
While modern medicine remains a powerful method to treat arthritis symptoms and flare-ups, the average person may not be aware that fitness is also a powerful tool in fighting this disease. In a society notorious for turning to pills as a cure-all, it is the job of fitness and medical professionals to work together to educate the public about the physical and emotional benefits of exercise as to reduce the symptoms of the disease. Let us bridge the gap! Since many forms of arthritis are characterized by stiff, painful and swollen joints, it is of utmost importance to keep this population active through functional fitness to promote mobility, range of motion, strength, coordination, balance and flexibility. Functional fitness is the key!
Call to Action
As a fitness professional, it is imperative to educate yourself about this disease as well as the various options for treatment. From understanding the many symptoms, the various types, the different treatment options, the anti-inflammatory diet, and the most effective lifestyle practices, fitness professionals will gain powerful tools to work with this special population. Specialization is quickly becoming the new norm in the fitness industry. As a result, fitness professionals who have chosen to enhance their knowledge base and further their education are experiencing growth in brand awareness, client-base and client retention. This is the future of fitness.
In the fall of 2020, the MedFit Arthritis Fitness Specialist Certification was launched. This course provides fitness and medical professionals the tools to safely and effectively work with the arthritic population. The Arthritis Fitness Specialist course contains the most cutting-edge and comprehensive research to support both the assessment of the arthritic client and how to best implement fitness as medicine to reduce signs and symptoms of the disease.
Christine M. Conti, M.Ed., B.A. is a former All-American collegiate athlete, investment banker, English teacher/professor, and 20-year veteran in the fitness industry. She is an international fitness presenter/educator, keynote speaker, CEO of Conti Fitness & Wellness, LLC, creator of Let us FACE It Together™, a facial fitness/rehabilitation program for fitness/medical professionals. Christine owns/co-hosts “Two Fit Crazies & A Microphone” podcast and TFC Production Co. She serves as a mentor for the Women in Fitness Association and the STRUCT Scholar Program as well as an avid contributor to everything MedFit. She was nominated MedFit Professional of the Year in 2020 and launched the MedFit Arthritis Exercise Specialist Course in the fall of 2020. Christine was also diagnosed with an advanced form of Rheumatoid Arthritis almost years ago. After multiple rounds of chemotherapy and a change in diet and fitness regiments, she has since completed over 30 marathons, triathlons and is a 2xIRONMAN. She plans to infect the world with her “Yes You Can” mindset! Contact Christine at www.ContiFIT.com or info@ContiFit.com.
