Arthritis and anxiety: when joint pain is emotional
About a quarter of U.S. adults have been diagnosed with arthritis -- and many others contend with sore, aching joints. That's more than 55 million folks who deal with varying degrees of pain, restricted motion and a compromised ability to feel content or happy. That's because joint-related pain (and we don't mean from marijuana ... that's a whole other column) is strongly connected to mental and emotional pain.
Studies show that persistent emotional distress often develops in folks with arthritis. Research published in Geriatric Psychiatry found that almost 63% of folks with moderate depression also report arthritis problems. And about 51% of patients with inflammatory arthritis have been prescribed medication for depression.
Another study found that on days when one person in a couple has increased arthritis pain, they also have more emotional conflict with their partner. And that can become a vicious cycle of pain, emotional distress, and more pain.
Fortunately, it's a pattern that can be broken using stress-control techniques, such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga, massage, and physical activity. Yes, appropriate exercise eases arthritis pain! Cognitive behavioral therapy may also help you not react negatively to pain sensations. One study found that it can ease pain, fatigue and depression in folks with rheumatoid arthritis.
Other ways to decrease pain-related emotional distress include adopting an anti-inflammatory, plant-based diet that ditches saturated fats, added sugars and red and processed red meats. A happy gut is a happy mind! And check out "Proven Methods and Expert Tips for Chronic Joint Pain Relief | Oz Health" on YouTube.
Dr. Mike Roizen is the founder of www.longevityplaybook.com, and Dr. Mehmet Oz is global advisor to www.iHerb.com, the world's leading online health store. Roizen and Oz are chief wellness officer emeritus at Cleveland Clinic and professor emeritus at Columbia University, respectively. Together they have written 11 New York Times bestsellers (four No. 1's).
(c)2025 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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