One of the biggest misconceptions about arthritis is that it is age-related. Although increases in age increase the risk of osteoarthritis, one form of arthritis, joint pains, is not an inevitable part of aging. Arthritis is a type of joint disease that causes tenderness and swelling. Your loved one may feel stiff in the joints and find it painful to move them, such that they restrict movement and activities to reduce discomfort. When the condition worsens, your loved one may find it difficult to enjoy life and be as independent as they would like to be. Since arthritis is more about the misuse or disuse of joints rather than aging, it pays to help your loved one deal with arthritis at the onset of the disease. Here are some ways you can do so.
Keep Moving and Exercising
Although movement with arthritis can be difficult and painful, it is essential to incorporate moderate amounts of physical activity into the day. Regular exercise helps to strengthen muscles, delay muscle mass loss and keep your loved one flexible. Every slight movement adds up and can help alleviate symptoms in the long run. Keep the exercises simple, like stretching, walking around the house, or chair exercises. Or encourage them to join programs like Dimensions health and wellness, which are tailored for the safety and effectiveness of their community.
Nutritious Diet
Food can be a contributing factor to arthritis. Some foods may lead to weight gain and trigger inflammation and pain. For example, sugary drinks or fatty foods. Healthy eating helps keep your loved ones within an acceptable weight range, so they don’t further strain their joints. Our joints are kept lubricated with the synovial fluid, so it is vital to keep dehydration at bay. Make sure they are well-hydrated throughout the day.
Keep Healthcare Providers Informed
Older adults may hesitate to seek help or inform their physicians about their pain for fear of embarrassment. As a family, you can help to keep track of your loved one’s pain and inform the physicians. Take notes of medication, activity, movement, or food that may have triggered the pain or swelling. These notes may also help surface patterns and information that their healthcare provider can work with.
Create a Friendly Living Environment
Make the living environment more conducive for your loved one by using arthritis-friendly tools to support their daily activities. For instance, you can install grab bars in the shower and toilet areas, use arthritis-friendly utensils, switch out buttons for velcro or hooks, or use card holders when playing card games.
Be empathetic when your loved one tells you of their pain. Acknowledge and take their discomfort seriously instead of dismissing it as a common trait of aging. Keep an open mind and remain positive so your loved one can feel encouraged by the things they can still do rather than be disappointed by the things they find difficult.
Seek Help When Needed
The goal of helping your loved one deal with arthritis is to help them retain as much independence as possible. However, when needed, consider personalized care where your loved one gets to live independently with the support of 24-hour care assistance, healthy meals, and a community to interact with.
