The 5 Worst U.S. Cities for Arthritis

The 5 Worst U.S. Cities for Arthritis

One in four adults in the country struggles with arthritis. Since the condition is common, you may think that it will be easy to find decent healthcare for the condition almost anywhere. However, a recent report by ACR claims differently.

Thus, this article shares the 5 worst U.S. cities for arthritis patients to help you make an informed decision when choosing where to live.

1. Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta is a lot more than sunshine. The city is known for its unpredictable changes in weather conditions that alter the barometric pressure. The other unpredictable factor in Atlanta is its healthcare system. The unfavorable ratio of arthritis patients means that not everyone can leverage the benefits of health insurance when they need it. It is advisable to stay away from this city if you want to avoid a painful joint situation and possibly substandard healthcare facilities for it.

2. Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Oklahoma City is known to be one of the worst U.S. cities for arthritis. If you suffer from symptoms associated with the disease, then the near-tropical conditions and humidity can wreak havoc on your debilitating joints. Add to that the unavailability of arthritis specialists as opposed to the high number of patients in the city. The cost of healthcare is also relatively higher as compared to other parts of the country.

3. New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans in Louisiana experiences intense humidity during the summers. Many people who complain about arthritis have to face severe symptoms during the summer months. At the same time, Louisiana is also one of the wettest regions of the country that gets rainfall even during winters. Being in New Orleans means that you may have to struggle harder to get medical care for your arthritis pain, especially during inclement weather.

4. Boston, Massachusetts
Massachusetts has one of the chilliest winters and geographically falls in the part of the country that gets a lot of rain. Therefore, the cold weather and frequent showers can cause problems for you if you live in Boston and deal with an arthritis problem. The frigid winters can intensify joint pains, and the moisture-laden spring and summer can also exacerbate your condition. Even though Boston has some of the best doctors and a robust healthcare system, it can still be a difficult place to live if you have arthritis.

5. Jackson, Mississippi
For someone living in Jackson, Mississippi, you may have to deal with a subpar healthcare system with a limited number of arthritis experts. To make matters worse, you will also have to deal with humid weather that can worsen your condition.

When it comes to arthritis, every state has a healthcare system of its own. There are two main factors that you need to keep in mind when you are considering to relocate to any of these places, namely, weather conditions and the availability of affordable medical care.