Letters: Dec. 30, 2002

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The Coming Epidemic of Arthritis

"My advice for all us aging baby boomers is, Move it or lose it! We need to take care of our bodies while we can." CATHY LAPLANTE Williamsburg, Va.

Thank you for your story on arthritis [HEALTH, Dec. 9]. I was a very active child, always participating in sports throughout school. In my late teens, I discovered the runner's high and never looked back--until one morning I woke up and couldn't get out of bed. I thought it was Lyme disease, but instead I got the news that it was rheumatoid arthritis. I was 26, and I felt as if my life had been taken away from me--I would never run again. But I found a great doctor who prescribed a life-changing drug and yoga. I still don't know which remedy works best, but I am definitely a much stronger person inside and out. And I have an excuse not to wear high heels. TANYA KELLER New York City

Arthritis is not a silent disease. It growls and roars at its victims. It is easy to understand why they seek any help or relief they can find. The treatments are better than ever before, however, and there are many new strategies on the horizon. As America grays, more people will have arthritis, but physicians will have better and better treatments to offer. MALIN PRUPAS, M.D. Reno, Nev.

The form of exercise that has given this arthritis sufferer the greatest relief is yoga. I'm in my 60s and only regret that I didn't discover yoga 30 years ago. A good teacher can help develop a program that alleviates pain, increases flexibility and balance and, best of all, encourages you to keep moving! BARBARA GOSE Riverton, Wyo.

An underlying cause of arthritis is posture, which determines how joints align. Chronic postural misalignments cause chronic wear and tear. A hundred years ago, people stood and sat with an erect spine. Now fashion seems to favor a curved, slouched spine, which has severe health consequences. Posture is learned and is a changing cultural phenomenon. Curved posture is the source of so much misery. JEAN COUCH Palo Alto, Calif.

I am a 45-year-old screenwriter who has battled a severe form of arthritis for more than 10 years. I get suspicious looks from strangers when I park in a handicapped space, even with my blue placard in full view. The glares stop when they see me emerge from my car, struggle to stand and hobble off to my destination. Perhaps your article will help people realize that arthritis is not a disease that afflicts just our grandparents. It is a terrible illness that children and young people get as well. DIANE WEIS Orlando, Fla.

You noted that sports like football, soccer, tennis and basketball can damage knees and hips. All these games have been around for a century or more. You also mention running, which has been a competitive sport since at least the time of ancient Greece. I doubt that the average 21st century person truly stands a greater chance of being disabled by arthritis than the dawn-to-dusk laborer of past generations. MARK STUART ELLISON New York City