Arthritis Is a Common Problem for Seniors

Contrary to popular belief, arthritis itself is not a single disease but rather a condition that includes over 100 different types. The word arthritis refers to joint inflammation. While older people are generally associated with arthritis pain, it can occur at any age. Read on to learn more about the symptoms of arthritis and how to treat it.

Symptoms of Arthritis

When a senior is experiencing arthritis, it is usually quite obvious because it can quickly become painful and even difficult to complete everyday tasks. Common symptoms include pain, stiffness, swelling of the joint area, and limited range of motion. 

Severe arthritis can even cause permanent joint changes that can be visible. Seniors with arthritis are prone to knobby and crooked fingers. Oftentimes, the damage is visible on X-rays. 

The symptoms of arthritis may come and go, which can make it difficult for seniors to know when to seek help. Caregivers of seniors in assisted living know the signs of arthritis and can urge a resident to seek help.

How to Treat Arthritis

There are several treatments for arthritis, and it may take a combination of them to ease the pain. Treatment may also vary from senior to senior depending on their circumstances. For example, treatments for a senior living independently may look different than treatments for a senior in memory care.

The first step in treating arthritis is to get an accurate diagnosis from your doctor. Since different treatments target different underlying causes of joint pain, it’s important to identify what is creating your symptoms. 

Your primary care doctor should be able to help you sort out what is going on. In some cases, they may refer you to a specialist for a more precise diagnosis. 

Doctors may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or pain relievers to help with pain on a day-to-day basis. A more natural remedy is treating the sore area with heat and cold. Your doctor can help you create a heating and cooling regimen to achieve maximum relief. 

Massage has been another effective tool shown to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis. In many cases, massage can be performed by a massage therapist, but there are techniques for self-massage as well. 

Lastly, acupuncture has become an increasingly popular treatment for seniors with arthritis. Acupuncture has been used for various diseases for centuries, and it can be effective in relieving pain in joints.

Arthritis Is a Serious but Manageable Condition

Whether a senior is in independent living, in assisted living, or in a memory care community, there are treatments for arthritis that can work for them. With a little trial and error, most seniors with arthritis can learn to live with the diagnosis and carry on normally with their daily lives.