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Arthritis and Aging

 

Learn how to manage and treat arthritis joint pain for aging adults.

David Minaya
July 29, 2024

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Over 50 million  US adults have arthritis, and is expected to increase as the population ages. Anyone can get arthritis, but older adults have an increased risk  for the following reasons:

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Inflammation (swelling) my affect your body and joints

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Loss of muscle needed to stable joints

Furthermore, low muscle mass can increase your risk of falls and joint injuries.

Let’s look at ways to manage and treat arthritic pain.

Arthritis Joint Pain

Arthritis  is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. Arthritic inflammation causes joint pain  and stiffness. People often say pain is a normal part of aging. However, ignoring arthritic pain can cause additional problems .
\ Limiting Mobility – joint pain can worsen over time and interfere with daily living activities and sleep.
\ Increased Fall Risk – arthritis in the lower joints (hip or knee) can increase your chance of falling.
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Risk of Bone Fractures – older adults who fall have a higher risk of fractures .

How to Manage and Treat Arthritic Pain

You might have thought exercise increases joint pain. However, the opposite is true! Physical activity helps reduce joint pain  and stiffness. Furthermore, exercise helps lubricate joints and strengthen muscles around joints.

You can take the following measures to manage and treat arthritis-related pain:

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Exercise – physical activity  can help people with arthritis reduce joint pain. Older adults should mix aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and balance activities.

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Medications – over-the-counter drugs , such as pain relievers and arthritis creams, can help.

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Complementary Therapies – massage and acupuncture may also help.

Joint-Friendly Physical Activities

The following joint-friendly exercises  have low stress on your joints:
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Swimming and pool exercises
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Cycling – stationary bikes are safer than outdoor biking
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Walking – challenge yourself with a faster pace, hills, or carrying weights
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Elliptical trainer – keeps your feet on the pedals as your legs move in an oval pattern and your arms move back and forth

Factors that Increase Your Risk

Osteoarthritis is the most common  form of arthritis, and the following factors increase your risk:

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Sex – women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis
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Obesity – the more you weigh, the greater your risk
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Repetitive Joint Stress – from your job or playing a sport

Examples of repetitive stress injuries  include:

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Runner’s knee
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Tennis or Golfer’s elbow
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Carpal tunnel syndrome
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Shoulder impingement

To minimize your risk of injury and improve your range of motion and mobility, read about Warm-up Exercises for Seniors.

Call Senior Healthcare Direct at 1-833-463-3262 and speak with a licensed agent.

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