Almost 25% of U.S. adults are diagnosed with arthritis. People whose doctors have confirmed they have arthritis often find it limits their daily activities. What are the different types of arthritis that could be impacting your parents’ ability to age in place? Here is more information about the different types of arthritis, and how senior home care can help your elderly parent deal with the side effects.
Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia affects around 4 million adults. It often appears in middle age and is more prevalent in women. Risk factors include family history, excessive stress, and viral infections.
This type of arthritis presents more as physical pain throughout the entire body. People with fibromyalgia often experience insomnia and depression from chronic pain. Exercise, stress management, and over-the-counter pain relievers are usually the recommended treatment options.
Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis where uric acid builds up in the joints, particularly the big toes. It causes tremendous pain and makes it hard to walk around. More men than women develop gout.
Flare-ups are treated through over-the-counter medications. Dietary changes to make sure you avoid foods like shellfish, red meat, and alcohol are also important.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It’s caused by wear and tear to the joints over time. Every time you bend and move your leg or arm, you’re using a joint. Over time, the padding within a joint wears down. If the bones start rubbing on each other, it causes discomfort like pain and stiffness.
Risk factors include age, obesity, family history, and gender. Women are more likely to get osteoarthritis than men. Treatments include regular exercise and over-the-counter pain relievers. If the pain is extreme, surgery may be needed to replace or repair the damaged joint.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is both an autoimmune condition and an inflammatory disease. It occurs when your immune system attacks the healthy cells in the joints and other areas of the body. Rheumatoid arthritis typically occurs in the hands, knees, and wrists.
When the joints become inflamed, it can be challenging to walk around. The joints may become deformed. Chronic pain and balance issues are common. This form of arthritis can spread to the eyes, heart, and lungs.
Risk factors include gender (66% more women than men), genetics, and history of smoking. Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis often require medications to help prevent the immune system from attacking the rest of the body. Over-the-counter medications can help manage pain.
Senior home care services greatly benefit older adults with arthritis. While your parents should be as active as possible, some tasks may be too difficult for them to complete without help. Would they skip meals or stop doing the laundry if they didn’t have someone to help?
With professional caregivers available to assist with transportation, housework, meals, dressing, and more, your parents remain independent at home. They won’t have to forgo certain daily activities. Call a home care specialist to ask about senior home care.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/national-statistics.html
https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/types/rheumatoid-arthritis.html
