While arthritis is sometimes thought of as a disease that affects only the elderly, the problem is much greater than a single demographic.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 5 American adults suffer from some form of arthritis, while a further two-thirds of this population are working age adults, ages 16-64.
It's those working adults that have to juggle pain management of their conditions with the rigors of everyday life that may be surprised to know that a flexible spending account (FSA) could provide an advantage to their arthritis care regimen. These consumer-directed healthcare accounts, which are offered by many employers, can help arthritis sufferers save on the products and medications they need most.
Here are a few of the best FSA eligible products that arthritis sufferers can purchase with their FSA funds.
1. Glucosamine/Chondroitin Supplements
Glucosamine and chondroitin are naturally-occurring substances in the body that is found around cartilage in key joints. Over time as a natural result of aging, these compounds will begin to break down, which can adversely affect one's health. As a supplement, glucosamine and chondroitin are most often used together to combat joint deterioration that will over time help to reduce pain, improve joint flexibility and slow the progression of arthritis.
Compression therapy is a common technique to treat sore joints, especially for those who have rheumatoid arthritis that causes pain, joint stiffness and swelling that can impair hand function and interfere with daily activities. Arthritis gloves are a tried-and-tested method to provide light compression therapy to alleviate these symptoms. With light pressure on the joints and increased warmth, arthritis gloves can fight inflammation and increase circulation to combat chronic arthritis pain.
For those looking for a natural alternative to over-the-counter medications, moist heat therapy balls are a fantastic alternative. Much like a stress ball, these hand-held devices can gently work the underlying joints with mild exercise to promote circulation, while moist heat can fight inflammation and chronic pain. This is a great choice for office workers who can utilize this therapeutic method throughout the day.
Arthritis can affect many different parts of the body, and those with osteoarthritis can contend with chronic pain in the hips, knees and feet. As such, the right footwear can make all the difference, which is why pain relief orthotics are a smart buy. These orthotics absorb the impact from every step to ease the strain on joints and absorb the impact.
5. Knee Wraps
The knees are a pivotal joint in the body and chronic pain in these areas can dramatically affect a person's quality of life. Knee wraps are a great investment for FSA users that offer both heat and cold therapy to treat a wide range of ailments. Best of all, this device can be worn over the knee to provide continuous therapy as arthritis suffers go about their daily routine.
For everything you need to stay healthy this Arthritis Awareness Month and beyond, visit FSAstore.com! We can show you how to spend FSA money on the qualifying health products that you and your loved ones need year-round.
