About half of all seniors in the U.S. that reach retirement age will suffer from some form of arthritis. Since there are more than 100 different conditions which could potentially affect your joints and the tissues surrounding them it’s easy to attribute the painful symptoms to simply “aging.” Aging does contribute to this degenerative disease but genetics, heredity, injury, overuse, and obesity could all add to your dilemma making it important not to deny or disregard any signs that it may be arthritis once you’ve been diagnosed.
All arthritis is degenerative because it breaks and wears down the tissue of your joints. However, the most prevalent form of arthritis in seniors is Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the large weight bearing joints of the body, like the knees and hips, even though the hands, neck, and lower back can also be affected. Arthritis changes the surface structure of the joints through deterioration of the cartilage that lines and smooths their surface and buffers your movements. Because there’s less cartilage to protect these areas they become inflamed and swollen and cause pain and stiffness.
Those who recognize the symptoms early through medical diagnosis can begin treatment sooner and prevent or minimize additional joint damage. Some of the most common indicators that arthritis could be the culprit are:
- Lasting pain and swelling or stiffness in one or more joints
- Warmth and redness surrounding the joints
- Problems using or moving the area normally
- Tenderness when touching the area
- Pain or stiffness after heavy activity such as working in the garden or a long walk
- Back and neck pain or stiffness in the morning when just waking-up
Even though arthritis can’t be cured, it can be successfully treated so that one can remain mobile, independent and as comfortable as possible.
Each type of arthritis is treated a little differently, but most regimens include rest, exercise, a well-balanced diet and learning how to protect your joints from further injury. Weight management – maintaining a normal weight – is one of the most important factors. In the setting of arthritis, this helps alleviate unnecessary wear on your joints. Light exercise, such as walking or swimming, will help you stay mobile without adding unnecessary stress to your joints.
If symptoms are present, apply heat to the area to help soothe the pain and stiffness. Over-the-counter medicines such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin can be beneficial but must be used with caution. If needed for more than just a few days, your physician should be consulted.
