Arthritis is a painful condition which makes day to day life much harder to cope with. Now with a staggering 58.5 million people in America diagnosed with arthritis awareness on which treatments are effective is vital.1 To view the best senior arthritis treatments available this year start an online search now.

Seniors Arthritis

What Exactly Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints of the body. It is caused by the inflammation of the joints, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling. Arthritis can occur in any joint of the body, but it most commonly affects the hands, knees, hips, and spine. There are two main types of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

  • Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and is caused by the wear and tear of the cartilage in the joints.2 This can happen over time as we age, or it can be caused by injury. Osteoarthritis can cause pain and stiffness in the joints and can make it difficult to move around.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis is a more severe type of arthritis that is caused by an autoimmune disorder.3 This means that the body’s immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint damage and can lead to disability if not treated.

Arthritis in Elderly People

Arthritis is more common in elderly people than in younger people.4 As we age, the wear and tear on our joints increases, which can lead to the development of osteoarthritis. Additionally, elderly people are more likely to have other health conditions that can contribute to the development of arthritis, such as obesity or diabetes. The symptoms of arthritis in elderly people can be more severe than in younger people. This is because elderly people may have other health conditions that can make it more difficult to manage their arthritis. For example, if an elderly person has mobility issues or cognitive impairments, they may have difficulty managing their arthritis symptoms.

Lifestyle Changes For Dealing With Arthritis

There are several natural prevention methods that seniors can use to manage their arthritis symptoms. Please keep in mind these changes may not heal arthritis but instead aid in helping flare ups and pain management.

  • Exercise: Regular exercise can help seniors maintain their joint flexibility and muscle strength. Low-impact exercises, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, can be particularly helpful for seniors with arthritis.
  • Diet: A healthy diet can help seniors maintain a healthy weight, which can reduce the strain on their joints. Additionally, certain foods, such as those high in omega-3 fatty acids or antioxidants, may help reduce inflammation in the body.
  • Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold to the affected joint can help reduce pain and stiffness. Heat can help relax the muscles and increase blood flow, while cold can help reduce inflammation. Sauna has been well known to aid in anti inflammatory pathways in the body aiding in arthritis pain management.
  • Acupuncture: Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. Some studies have suggested that acupuncture may be effective in reducing pain and inflammation in people with arthritis.

Physical Therapy For Seniors

Physical therapy can be an effective treatment for arthritis in seniors. A physical therapist can help seniors improve their range of motion, strength, and flexibility. This can help reduce pain and stiffness in the joints and improve mobility. Additionally, physical therapy can help seniors learn how to manage their arthritis symptoms and prevent further joint damage. Another great non impact choice of exercise for seniors with arthritis is yoga. Yoga helps to stimulate the bodies energy pathways and increase blood flow to joints in easy to manage positions aiding in pain management for seniors with arthritis.

Which Treatments Work Best For Seniors With Arthritis?

There are several medications available to treat arthritis in seniors. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

  • NSAIDs can be used to reduce pain and inflammation in the joints. They are available over-the-counter or can be prescribed by a doctor. However, NSAIDs can have side effects, such as stomach upset or an increased risk of heart attack or stroke.
  • Corticosteroids are a type of steroid that can be injected into the joint to reduce inflammation. They are generally used for short-term relief and can have side effects, such as weight gain or an increased risk of infection.
  • DMARDs are medications that can slow down the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. They can also be used to treat other types of arthritis. However, DMARDs can have side effects, such as an increased risk of infection or liver damage.

View The Latest Arthritis Treatments Now

Arthritis is a common condition among elderly people that can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. There are several treatments available for arthritis, including medication, physical therapy, and surgery. Additionally, seniors can use a range of breakthrough treatments which are showing signs of helping those with arthritis. To view the best senior arthritis treatments available this year start an online search now.

Reference:

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/national-statistics.html
  2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351925
  3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353648
  4. https://www.verywellhealth.com/age-and-arthritis-189653