Mega Doctor News
More than 58 million U.S. adults are living with doctor-diagnosed arthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), making it the nation’s leading cause of disability.
As the nation’s population ages and obesity rates continue to rise, the burden of arthritis is expected to grow substantially, with nearly 78 million Americans projected to be affected by the condition by 2040.
An umbrella term for more than 100 joint-related conditions, arthritis is often associated with pain, swelling, stiffness and tenderness in one or more joints. These symptoms can restrict movement, reduce quality of life and interfere with routine daily activities and work-related responsibilities.
“Living with arthritis can be physically limiting and emotionally frustrating,” said Valentina Milani, MD, a family medicine resident with the South Texas Health System (STHS) GME Consortium. “When chronic joint pain affects your ability to work, exercise, care for your family or participate in hobbies, it can take a toll on your overall well-being.”
Left untreated, arthritis can lead to irreversible joint damage, chronic pain and significant loss of mobility, making everyday activities increasingly difficult.
Certain forms of the disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), can also affect organs beyond the joints. The chronic inflammation associated with RA has been linked to an increased risk of serious health complications, including cardiovascular disease, lung conditions and infections, underscoring the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
“Many people assume joint pain is simply something they have to live with, but delaying treatment can have serious consequences,” said Dr. Milani. “Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are key to preserving joint health and helping patients maintain an active lifestyle.”
Fortunately, there are many effective ways to manage arthritis and improve quality of life, making education and early intervention especially important.
Treatment plans may include medications, physical therapy, regular exercise, weight management and other lifestyle modifications designed to reduce pain, improve joint function and slow disease progression.
“The sooner arthritis is identified and addressed, the greater the opportunity to preserve mobility, prevent long-term joint damage and help individuals maintain their independence and continue participating in the activities they enjoy,” said Dr. Milani.
To raise awareness about the impact of arthritis and empower viewers with information about prevention and management, South Texas Health System will dedicate the newest episode of “South Texas Healthy Living” to the common yet often misunderstood condition.
Airing Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. on KVEO NBC 23, the 30-minute episode will feature an in-depth interview with Milani, who will discuss the causes, risk factors and warning signs of arthritis, as well as the latest treatment options and lifestyle strategies available to help individuals manage the condition, reduce pain and maintain an active, healthy quality of life.
Additionally, STHS System Director of Marketing & Public Relations and “South Texas Healthy Living” host Tom Castañeda sits down with a Weslaco native and former hospital nurse who was diagnosed with RA after nearly a decade of attributing her chronic pain, fatigue and other symptoms to the physical demands of her profession.
During the interview, she shares the challenges and setbacks that ultimately led to her diagnosis, discusses how she manages the condition today and offers encouragement to others experiencing persistent symptoms, emphasizing the importance of listening to their bodies, seeking medical attention and advocating for their own health.
The episode will also include a healthy cooking segment with Patrick Woodin, Director of Dietary & Nutrition Services at STHS McAllen, highlighting nutritious foods that can support joint health, as well as an exercise demonstration by a member of the STHS Edinburg Outpatient Rehabilitation Center team. Together, these features will offer viewers practical, everyday strategies for managing arthritis symptoms, improving mobility and enhancing overall well-being.
“An arthritis diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to define a person’s future,” said Castañeda. “Living with a chronic condition can affect every aspect of a person’s life, from their physical health and mobility to their emotional well-being and relationships. Education is one of the most powerful tools available to help individuals overcome those challenges. By understanding their condition and learning how to manage it effectively, people with arthritis can take control of their health, improve their quality of life and continue doing the things they love. At STHS, it’s all about getting healthy and staying healthy together.”
To learn more about arthritis, tune in to the latest episode of “South Texas Healthy Living” on Sunday, July 26, at 9:00 a.m. on KVEO NBC 23, with an encore airing on Sunday, August 2, at 9:00 a.m. on KVEO-TV NBC 23.
To watch previous episodes of “South Texas Healthy Living” and the system’s South Texas Health Updates, one-minute videos offering education on a variety of health topics, visit South Texas Health System’s Medical Minute page on ValleyCentral.com.
