The joint pain and inflammation caused by arthritis affect more than 50 million men and women. Arthritis often makes it hard to be as mobile as a person was before it developed. There’s no cure, but anti-inflammatory medications and heat and cold packs can help ease the discomfort.
Symptoms of Arthritis
At the base of any case of arthritis is joint pain and stiffness. Inflammation puts pressure on the joints leading to the discomfort. The pain and stiffness may make it hard to move around. It can make everyday tasks become challenging to complete. Stiffness and pain in the fingers can make it hard to type, hold a knife, or carry a hamper to the laundry room.
Pain in the knees and hips makes it hard to walk up and down stairs or around a room. When arthritis affects the feet and ankles, a senior may become hesitant to get up and go for a walk. Mobility is impacted, which can impact daily exercise routines. A lack of exercise can impact heart health and increase the risk of depression.
Differences Between Arthritis and Migratory Arthritis
Arthritis.org states there are more than 100 forms of arthritis. When uric acid crystals cause joint pain, it’s a form of arthritis known as gout. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in joints starts to wear away. There’s bursitis that occurs when a watery sac that forms a cushion between bone/muscle or tendon/skin becomes inflamed. Those are just a few of the dozens of types of arthritis that exist.
When you have arthritis, it’s either addictive or migratory. With addictive forms, multiple joints become inflamed. Migratory arthritis is different, the pain appears in one joint, clears up, and then suddenly appears in a new joint. With migratory arthritis, an inflamed joint improves, which gives a false sense of comfort. Just as a senior thinks they’ve healed, the pain returns in a new area.
Make Sure Care is Available
When arthritis affects your dad or mom’s daily life, home care is advised. You don’t want your mom to stop getting enough exercise. You don’t want your dad to fall when trying to shop for groceries. Caregivers are there for companionship, which is always beneficial, but they also help with declining mobility.
Make sure your parents have the help they need to stay mobile. Arthritis can make it hard to talk a walk, climb in and out of a tub, or get up from the sofa. Learn more about the benefits of home care providers
Sources:
http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/what-is-arthritis.php
http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/do-i-have-arthritis.php
IF YOU OR AN AGING LOVED ONE ARE CONSIDERING IN-HOME CARE IN SUMMERLIN, NV, PLEASE CONTACT THE CARING STAFF AT GOLDEN HEART SENIOR CARE. CALL TODAY 702-800-4616.
