As of 2015, an estimated 54 million people around the United States have been diagnosed with some form of arthritis. Due to the prevalence of this, it has caused many of people to seek environmental changes. This includes living in a location which caters to the joint inflammation.
This piece will delve further into some of the cities those with arthritis should perhaps avoid. Much of it has to do with weather, while some of the reasoning may also deal with the lack of medical professionals in the field for that specific place.
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City is reportedly said to be one of the cities to avoid living in if the person in question is beset by constant and perpetual arthritis. There are a number of reasons for this. For one, the weather during the winter can get absolutely freezing. This includes snow, bone-chilling wind, and ice. These conditions are not ideal for people with joint issues.
Duly, OKC is said to be lacking when it comes to facilities specifically designed for arthritis prevention and collective treatment.
Missoula, Montana
The state of Montana can get downright frigid during the winter months. In particular, we’re talking about the college town of Missoula, Montana. In general, extremely cold temperatures are unkind to those with arthritis. The cold has a habit of wreaking havoc on the joints by making them swell up and highly inflamed.
Additionally, while there is medical care available, you may not be able to get specialists or even a wide range of medical help based upon the rural nature of the state. Other states with less-sparse populations likely will deal with the symptoms in a more efficient manner.
Springfield, Massachusetts
It’s no secret that the state of Massachusetts can be utterly freezing during the fall and winter months. Interestingly enough, Springfield offers two unsavory elements from a weather standpoint for those dealing with arthritis.
The winters are brutal here — which unsurprisingly can hinder those with any type of arthritis. However, the summer months are equally as unappealing. The humidity here, coupled with the dampness, is also not ideal for those with arthritis. It could lead to minimal activity outdoors, which then may disrupt the functionality of joints in the legs (among other places).
Mobile, Alabama
The state of Alabama as a whole is not ideal for those with arthritis. Similarly to Springfield, Mass., Alabama can suffer from some very cold winters. The humidity is on an entirely other level. It’s one of the most humid states in the country in arguably the most humid region of the United States.
Additionally, the state as a whole is reportedly subpar when it comes to healthcare services specifically aimed at helping those with arthritic conditions. For instance, the city of Mobile is reportedly said to offer less than 20 rheumatologists with a population of nearly 200,000 people.
Memphis, Tennessee
The city of Memphis combines both humid summers along with chilly winters. Simply put, this doesn’t appear to be a conducive environment for someone with an arthritic condition. It’s particularly challenging when the city not only can be hindered by snow, but also by considerable rain.
The moisture in the air emanating from practically each of the four seasons simply doesn’t cater to a happy existence for someone with joint issues.
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