Arthritis is a joint condition that is is characterized by stiffness and chronic pain. The condition tends to worsen with age, but it is crucial to note that internal and external factors can also trigger a flare-up. While the condition cannot be fully cured, it can be managed with the help of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. This article focuses on the worst states to live in for arthritis patients.

Worst states in the United States for arthritis patients to live in
According to the latest data, around 24% of the population in the country suffers from some form of arthritis. Living with this medical condition is not an easy task as routine activities become difficult and lead to one becoming dependent on others for help. A simple thing such as bending down to pick up a fallen object becomes impossible for some. This leads to embarrassment and frustration.

Aside from your lifestyle and dietary habits, where you live also plays a role in the state of your condition. The weather and climate of certain states can trigger a flare-up of arthritis symptoms. This is because extreme dryness, heat, or humidity have an effect on our muscles. Additionally, the cost of healthcare facilities and its availability plays a massive role in determining which state is a good option for arthritis patients.

1. Mississippi
   Along with non-suitable weather throughout the year, the number of rheumatologists in the state is insufficient. Hence, Mississippi is not a state that is suitable for arthritis patients to live in.
2. Alabama
   The weather in Alabama is quite humid during the summer. This makes daily life for arthritis patients difficult since their joints become tender and worsen the condition. Hence, if you are a patient of arthritis, do not shift to this state as it will not help alleviate the pain at all.
3. Oklahoma
   No matter what kind of joint pain you suffer from, Oklahoma is not an ideal state to shift to as its weather can easily worsen your condition. It has tropical conditions during the summers, making it very humid. Another problem that the state faces is the fewer number of specialist doctors to treat arthritis.
4. Mississippi
   The next state in our list of worst states for arthritis patients to live in is Mississippi. The number of rheumatologists in the state is not encouraging. Additionally, the constant dampness due to incessant rain makes one prone to facing flare-ups of the symptoms.
5. Louisiana
   The state is extremely humid during the summers. This results in difficult living conditions for arthritis patients. The erratic rain and heat further worsen the pain one might feel since the muscles keep contracting and expanding. In addition, the hurricane season also results in the escalation of the symptoms of the disease.

Symptoms of arthritis
The most common symptoms of the disease are joint pain, stiffness, redness of the skin in the affected area, swelling, and the inability to move freely and without pain.

Complications arising out of this disease
If not treated and taken care of in a timely manner, this disease can cause severe complications for the patient. Firstly, it can lead to the arthritis becoming more severe, resulting in the deformation of the joints. Secondly, daily tasks become difficult to complete with each passing day, making one increasingly dependent on others.