HOW TO MANAGE ARTHRITIS AS A SENIOR
As we age, arthritis becomes one of the most common ailments that we have to manage. The medical condition impacts more than 60 million adults, with most cases developing in older adults. As the most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis results from the wear and tear inflicted on joints throughout the body. At our senior living facility in Portland, Oregon, caregivers educate our guests on how to recognize the signs of arthritis, as well as take steps to manage the painful medical condition.
In addition to the wear and tear on joints that is part of the aging process, other factors can influence the development of arthritis symptoms. Obesity is a common cause of arthritis, as the joints have to support much more weight. A history of joint injuries, especially ones that develop symptoms as the result of contact sports, also plays a role in causing osteoarthritis. Family history plays a role, as well as overusing joints as the result of repetitive movements.
How to Manage Arthritis
A healthcare provider cannot cure arthritis, but seniors should follow a few tips that alleviate pain and other troublesome symptoms.
Exercise
It seems counterintuitive to exercise the same joints that generate pain and stiffness, but certain low-impact exercises such as walking, cycling, and tai chi loosen the joints to improve flexibility. Always consult with your physicians before starting a new exercise regimen. Take it slow at the beginning of an exercise program, and then adjust the intensity according to how your joints respond.
Heat and Cold Therapies
The American College of Rheumatology recommends heat therapy because it relaxes joints and muscles. Heat enlarges blood vessels, which translates into a higher blood flow rate that delivers much-needed nutrients to joints. Applying a heating pad directly on the area of pain is an effective treatment method, as is warming up the entire body by taking a hot bath or swimming in a heated pool.
Inflamed joints benefit from cold therapies, such as applying a cold pack on the area where pain has developed.
Control Weight
We already mentioned the negative impact that obesity has on the joints. Controlling weight represents an effective preventive measure that mitigates or even eliminates the symptoms that are associated with arthritis. One of the keys to controlling weight concerns adopting a more nutritious diet, such as eating more antioxidant fruits and leafy vegetables. Controlling weight places less stress on joints, which increases mobility and prevents additional injuries.
Medical Treatments
Over-the-counter medications such as arthritis creams and oral pain relievers can help reduce the painful symptoms of osteoarthritis. For more serious arthritis cases, surgery might be the only viable strategy to manage arthritis as a senior. Osteotomy, which removes a small piece of bone to relieve joint pressure, is a common surgical procedure to help seniors manage arthritis symptoms.
Managing arthritis can be a challenge for seniors that live on their own. Receiving daily care at an assisted living facility in Portland ensures a loved one lives a healthier lifestyle. MorningStar senior housing facilities across the United States have earned the reputation for passionately serving seniors. Connect with MorningStar at Laurelhurst to learn more about why we operate the best senior housing facility in Portland, Oregon.