Receiving Social Security Disability Benefits for Arthritis

Arthritis is a disorder affecting the joints and is characterized by inflammation and joint pain. Most prevalent in the thumbs, fingers, feet, hips, knees, neck, back, and shoulders, arthritis has many forms and is one of the most common illnesses affecting Americans today. The joints are integral for many body movements, and arthritis can limit range of motion and prevent necessary movements. Arthritis is typically seen in older individuals but can affect children as well, as in the case of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Other types of arthritis include osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, infectious arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. About twice as many women are affected by arthritis than men.

Why Arthritis is Debilitating

Joint inflammation can severely restrict the function of the joints and is one of the leading causes of work disability in the United States. If the arthritis condition is not diagnosed early, it may lead to severe or irreparable joint damage and significantly affect a patient's ability to perform everyday activities. Even small movements like picking up a pen or climbing stairs can be challenging and cause debilitating pain. Here are some of the effects of arthritis.

• Joint stiffness
• Pain and swelling
• Sensation of heat
• Joint tenderness
• Limited range of motion
• Joint deformity
• Fever
• Swollen glands
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Lung, heart, and kidney abnormalities

Causes of Arthritis

There are a variety of arthritis causes, depending on the type. Many forms of Injury can lead to degenerative arthritis, including sports injuries and auto accidents. Other causes of arthritis include genetic inheritance, infections, immune system problems, abnormal metabolism, crystalline diseases such as gout, systemic rheumatic conditions, and tumors.

Arthritis Treatments

Arthritis can often be managed successfully with treatments such as medications, exercise, physical therapy, and surgery. Weight reduction and activity restrictions can help calm inflammation and minimize pain. Food supplements like glucosamine and chondroitin have been shown to help some arthritis patients.

To find out more about arthritis, please visit the Arthritis Association or WebMD’s Arthritis Health Center.

If you or a family member is disabled as a result of arthritis, The Cochran Firm can help you apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or appeal a rejected claim. To learn more about your rights and the SSDI process, please contact our disability lawyers today to set up a free legal consultation.

The Cochran Firm handles Social Security disability claims for clients throughout the United States of America. Please contact The Cochran Firm today to schedule a free Social Security disability consultation.