In the U.S., about 54 million adults have arthritis that has been diagnosed by a doctor. There are others who have arthritis and haven’t discussed it with their doctor. About 2 out of 3 cases involve men and women between the ages of 18 and 64. That leaves about 18 million elderly men and women with diagnosed cases of arthritis.
Is your parent dealing with painful joints? Take time to learn more about the different forms of arthritis. Find out what you can do to help with daily routines when arthritis pain flares up.
Gout
Gout occurs when uric acid crystals collect in the joints and cause incredible pain and inflammation. The big toe tends to be the most common area for this form of arthritis to form. It comes and goes. When a flare-up does hit, it can make it impossible to walk. Even the weight of a sheet while sleeping can be excruciating.
Lupus
Like many other types of arthritis, lupus is an autoimmune disease. It causes inflammation in joints, multiple organs, and the skin. Joint pain is just one of the key symptoms. Kidney issues, fatigue, and light sensitivity are others. People with lupus are more likely to also have fibromyalgia.
Osteoarthritis
What is the most commonly diagnosed type of arthritis? It’s osteoarthritis. This type of arthritis occurs when the cartilage within a joint wears away, which causes pain as the bone begins to rub on other areas of bone.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is caused by the body seeing joints and organs as invaders. The immune system attacks the cells and tissue of these joints and organs and causes damage. The tissue lining the joints is the most common point of attack. If you have RA, you’re also likely to develop fibromyalgia.
Psoriatic Arthritis
You’ve probably heard of the autoimmune disease psoriasis. Psoriatic arthritis is similar. The body attacks tissue in the ligaments and tendons and causes arthritis pain and inflammation.
There are more than 100 types of arthritis. If your parent has joint pain, it’s important to see a doctor. If you can’t take time off work to get your mom or dad to the doctor, hire someone who can. Senior care services can help your parent manage arthritis pain by providing rides to physical therapy and doctor’s appointments. Senior care professionals can make sure your mom or dad take medications when needed and follow a recommended diet. Call to learn more.
If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care in Denver, CO, please contact the caring staff at SYNERGY HomeCare Denver. Call today: (303) 756-9322.
