Arthritis rarely occurs in a vacuum—for many people, it develops alongside other chronic conditions, which are known as comorbidities. A common cause of joint pain, arthritis is also linked with many other long-term health issues.
If you have arthritis, treating other chronic conditions may help you cope with pain and other symptoms. Here’s a closer look at six comorbidities of arthritis.
1. COPD
Also known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD is a collection of conditions that reduces the amount of air that can pass through the airways and make breathing more difficult. People with osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to develop COPD, which can cause fatigue, coughing and shortness of breath. Currently, there is no cure for COPD, but medications, oxygen therapy and pulmonary rehabilitation can help preserve independence and improve quality of life.
2. Depression
Chronic pain from arthritis can cause depression, which in turn, can worsen pain. People with arthritis and depression have more trouble performing everyday tasks, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Depression is treatable with medications, psychotherapy or both.
3. Diabetes
People with arthritis are more likely than others to develop diabetes. These conditions share a variety of risk factors including inflammation, excess weight and inactivity. Joint pain can discourage people with osteoarthritis from exercising, which is a key part of preventing and managing diabetes and reducing arthritis discomfort. The good news: Several forms of treatment can improve both arthritis and diabetes, including losing weight, exercising and eating a healthy diet.
4. Fibromyalgia
Rheumatoid arthritis is a risk factor for fibromyalgia, which can cause pain or stiffness throughout the body. Fibromyalgia isn’t life-threatening, but it can disrupt your sleep, contribute to depression, and affect your ability to work, perform tasks at home and enjoy favorite activities. There’s no cure, but medications, exercise, physical therapy and managing stress can reduce symptoms.
5. Heart Disease
The Arthritis Foundation reports that certain types of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, can double your risk of heart disease. The common denominator is inflammation, which fuels some forms of arthritis and can also constrict the blood vessels, preventing sufficient blood flow to the heart. Fortunately, physicians have a variety of treatment options to choose from to help people with heart disease, from lifestyle changes and medications to catheter-based procedures and open-heart surgery.
6. Obesity
A contributor to several chronic conditions, including heart disease and diabetes, obesity increases osteoarthritis risk by placing added pressure on joints and driving inflammation. Losing weight can have across-the-board benefits for your body, including aching joints—a 10% weight loss can halve arthritis pain, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
