Photo: Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic
Jennie Garthisn’t letting her early-onset osteoarthritis diagnosis slow her down.
TheBeverly Hills, 90210alum, 50, toldInsiderThursday that she was diagnosed with the condition at 47 years old after feeling stiffness in her fingers and hands, as well as pain in her knees.
“I was like, I’m too young for arthritis,” she said. “When you hear the word arthritis, you associate it with the elderly and people who are immobile, who can’t live an active life.”
Garth refused to allow the diagnosis to stop her from having an active lifestyle, though, telling the outlet, “It was just a new, interesting development in my maturing. You don’t think of yourself as slowing down or anything stopping you from all the things you do every day.”
“When you know what you’re dealing with physically, there’s always a workaround,” she added. “I definitely don’t let anything limit me.”
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Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and occurs “when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time,” according to theMayo Clinic.
The mother of three enjoys playing golf and hiking with her dogs, according to Insider. She also uses stretching to help improve symptoms.
Garth told the outlet she is not taking medication for her condition but applies an over-the-counter gel that provides “relief” from joint pain.
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The actress recentlycelebrated her 50th birthdayin April with a little help from her longtime BFF andMystery GirlscostarTori Spelling, who shared a truly ’80s chicphotoof the two of them in full spandex to mark the occasion.
“She can kick.. she can stretch… she’s 50!” Spelling, 48, began her caption, referencingMolly Shannon’s belovedSaturday Night Livecharacter, Sally O’Malley.
“Sally O’Malley… oops I mean Jennifer Eve Garth you truly embody a human where a number is simply a number,” she continued. “You are more beautiful today than you were 30 years ago. You are an amazing inspiring woman. Such a great mom. You are my Mom mentor for sure. I love you so much. You are truly my sister in this lifetime. Xo.”
source: people.com
