How to Improve Achy Joints

Joint stiffness or pain that interferes with activities such as getting dressed, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of your car could mean you have arthritis.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is an inflammation of one or more joints. Symptoms usually develop over time, but may appear suddenly. Arthritis is most common among women and occurs more frequently as people get older.

What causes it?

Arthritis is caused by the breakdown of the connective tissue in your joints. This breakdown could be from normal wear and tear, or the result of an injury or disease in the joint.

What are the signs?

Common symptoms include:

Joint pain, swelling, tenderness, or stiffness
Reduced ability to move the joint
Joints that appear red or warm to the touch

The two main types of arthritis

1. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is caused by damage to your joint’s cartilage from wear and tear. This can occur over many years and results in pain and decreased joint movement.

2. Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack a thin membrane that lines the joints. The cause is unknown but a combination of genetics, hormones, and environmental factors are believed to contribute to causing rheumatoid arthritis.

5 ways to improve achy joints

1. Eat a healthy diet

Reduce stress on your joints by maintaining a healthy weight. CarePartners of Connecticut members can save on programs that keep you healthy! For more details, see your Evidence of Coverage (EOC) booklet.

2. Stay active

Moderate exercise can help strengthen muscles around joints. As a CarePartners of Connecticut member, you get a SilverSneakers* membership at no additional cost! SilverSneakers can help you improve your health and stay independent longer. Whether you play tennis, swim laps, do yoga, or lift weights, SilverSneakers has you covered. For details, visit SilverSneakers.com, or call SilverSneakers at 1-888-423-4632 (TTY: 711).

3. Make activities in your home easier

Make activities in your home easier by installing grab bars in the shower, tub, and near the toilet. Bathroom safety equipment (such as grab bars and raised toilet seats) is available to CarePartners of Connecticut members with a written prescription from a network physician. For details see your Evidence of Coverage (EOC) booklet.

4. Reduce pain

Apply heat or cold to reduce pain and stiffness in joints. Also, massage therapy and acupuncture may be able to reduce pain from arthritis. CarePartners of Connecticut members can use their Extra Discounts to save on massage therapy and acupuncture.

5. Talk to your doctor

Vitamins, mineral supplements, and over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol, Advil, Aleve, or cream containing capsaicin may be able to relieve arthritis pain. Talk to your doctor about what is right for you. CarePartners of Connecticut members pay a $0 copay for seeing their primary care provider. For details see your Evidence of Coverage (EOC) booklet.

Discounts and services included in the Extras program are not plan benefits and are not subject to the Medicare appeals process.