Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which wear and tear on the cartilage and bones leads to a breakdown of the joints. Symptoms can include joint pain, swelling of fingers or toes, decreased range of motion, and reduced ability to perform daily tasks. The environment you live in can greatly benefit or impede your quality of life, especially if you have osteoarthritis. For example, these U.S. cities are associated with worsening arthritis symptoms:
1. Memphis, Tennessee
High humidity—often 85 percent or higher—as well as high temperatures and high instances of arthritis in the state make Memphis the worst place to live with just about any type of rheumatic disease. There is also a lack of in-state primary care physicians and a high probability of needing other medical care. Additionally, this city’s life expectancy is 10 years shorter than average, which may be related to poor health management.
2. Charleston, West Virginia
Charleston has some of the highest instances of rheumatoid arthritis diagnoses and mobility issues in the state. The winters are cold, which may worsen arthritis symptoms. Charleston is also a four-hour drive away from most rheumatologists, making it extremely inconvenient for those with rheumatic diseases to seek healthcare.
3. Atlanta, Georgia
Over 10 percent of the population of Atlanta has rheumatoid arthritis. More serious disorders such as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, and Reiter’s syndrome are also more common in the city. Moreover, the humidity in Atlanta is often over 65 percent for most of the year, which can worsen flare-ups for rheumatic diseases.
4. Dover, Delaware
Over 80 percent of the population of Dover has asthma, which can cause inflammation and strain the respiratory muscles, which can, in turn, worsen arthritis symptoms. The winters are also very cold, which results in rheumatoid arthritis patients having more flare-ups during the winter months and, subsequently, increased pain during those months as well. Arthritic patients also commonly have difficulty managing the heat and humidity of Dover summers, making the climate difficult for arthritic patients year-round. Delaware additionally has no in-state rheumatologists, making it significantly more difficult for patients to receive treatment.
5. Springfield, Massachusetts
Springfield is one of the worst cities for people with arthritis because it lacks adequate medical care for those who suffer from joint pain. The area also suffers from humid weather during the summer, which can exacerbate arthritis symptoms, and it has a higher rate of natural disasters than most average U.S. cities, threatening the stability of patients’ lifestyle and quality of life.
6. Mobile, Alabama
Mobile, Alabama, is located on the Gulf Coast, which experiences extreme humidity in the summer months. Winters are also harsh, which means that arthritis flare-ups are more likely during this time. There is also a lack of rheumatology services for those in-state, and personal income levels are lower than in most other U.S. cities, meaning many citizens struggle to pay for healthcare.
