Regional Arthritis Center
One of seven centers approved by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the Southeast Missouri Regional Arthritis Center at Saint Francis Medical Center has a mission to reduce the burden of rheumatic disease by promoting optimal health and quality of life for all Missourians affected by arthritis, rheumatic diseases and related musculoskeletal conditions through prevention, early intervention, education, service and collaboration.
Arthritis is a leading cause of disability that affects one in three adults in Missouri. Services are provided by trained professionals and available to assist people living with arthritis and osteoporosis. Offerings include:
Exercise is a key component to keeping joints healthy and maintaining quality of life. The proper balance of exercise, rest and physician-prescribed medical treatment can help relieve stiffness and maintain or improve joint mobility/muscle strength. Many classes are offered throughout the service area, including water- and land-based exercise programs. Fees may apply.
A local advisory board with a service area representative reviews and recommends programs and services that should be available through the Southeast Missouri Regional Arthritis Center. Members of the board are actively involved in the care of those with arthritis or teach the arthritis self-management or activity programs.
Arthritis self-help programs are provided in several counties throughout the service area. These six-week Stanford University programs educate participants on how to better manage chronic conditions, work with their healthcare providers and improve their health.
Small durable medical equipment items are available to those needing assistance with daily living activities. Products available include reachers, long-handled shoehorns, sponges, sock aids and dexterity times. Durable medical equipment catalogs are available for free.
Educational programs and forums are available to assist individuals in learning disease-specific information about different rheumatic conditions such as:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Gout
- Lupus
- Osteoporosis
Free brochures and pamphlets regarding disease facts, medicines, exercise and how to cope are available.
Books and videos on arthritis, osteoporosis and other conditions are available on a loan basis.
The Missouri Arthritis and Osteoporosis Program supports the development and implementation of prevention and intervention programs to reduce disability and improve quality of life for people with arthritis and osteoporosis.
Presentations on arthritis and osteoporosis are available to the entire service delivery area.
Arthritis and fibromyalgia support groups meet monthly in Cape Girardeau and Butler counties. Participants are given time to discuss their chronic health issues.
The Southeast Missouri Regional Arthritis Center at Saint Francis Medical Center assists residents throughout an 18-county service area, which includes Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Dunklin, Iron, Madison, Mississippi, New Madrid, Oregon, Pemiscot, Perry, Reynolds, Ripley, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard and Wayne counties.
For more information on the Southeast Missouri Regional Arthritis Center, call 888-216-3293 or e-mail sfmc@sfmc.net.