Doctors Raise Arthritis Awareness

By Nicole Wiseman and Chris Howell

Many have dealt with aches and pains of the joints at one time or another. It may seem just a part of life, but that's not always the case. Some may try to ignore them, but doctors say that pain can be a warning sign of something much worse.

It can start out as a slight ache, maybe in your knuckles, wrists or knees. That pain can worsen and for some, it's a sign of rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis is the number one cause of disability in the United States.

RA affects hundreds of thousands of Oklahomans. It's more common in women and it can affect you at any time in your life. It's characterized by swelling of the joint lining.

Connie Dollard knows all about dealing with extreme joint pain. She's been battling RA for four years. NewsOn6.com caught up with her during one of her treatments.

She goes every six weeks and says it makes her feel worlds better than the pain she use to endure.

"I could hardly walk. It was hard too. I couldn't get up and down out of a chair without help. It was just totally like I was immobilized," said Connie Dollard, who is a rheumatoid arthritis sufferer.

Doctors say if you're in pain, it's best to get it checked out.

"Rheumatoid arthritis is not something that you just learn to live with. Rheumatoid arthritis is something you find out about as early as possible and then you consider the possibilities," said Rheumatologist Lawrence A. Jacobs, M.D.

Click on the featured video for more information on rheumatoid arthritis.

On Tuesday, September 9, the Arthritis Foundation, Eastern Oklahoma Chapter is hosting a free arthritis symposium co sponsored by the Broken Arrow Seniors, Inc. It will teach everyone more about arthritis.

Free Arthritis Symposium

When:   Tuesday, September 9
            6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Where:  Broken Arrow Seniors, Inc.
            1800 S. Main Street, Broken Arrow