Despite your dad’s desire to age in place without help, he’s experiencing chronic arthritis pain. Your knowledge of arthritis is that it creates pain and stiffness in the joints. That’s about all you know. How much do you know about the different types and would he benefit from home care services?

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form and occurs as the joints wear out with use. It’s estimated that the average person walks around 75,000 miles in their lifetime. Each step, jump, squat, etc. creates a movement that creates wear and tear on a joint. When the cartilage degrades to the point that bones rub together, it’s known as osteoarthritis.

This form of arthritis affects 32.5 million adults. The most common signs are aches and pains, stiffness, and decreased flexibility. It’s typically treated by ensuring you get enough exercise, losing weight, and using over-the-counter pain NSAIDs to ease pain and inflammation.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a form of arthritis where the body’s immune system attacks healthy cells in the joints and some organs like the lungs and heart. It affects about 1.3 million adults. As the joints continue to be attacked, it can create permanent damage leading to chronic pain and deformities.

Medications are usually prescribed to help slow the damage to the joints. Physical activity and weight loss are other ways the disease is managed.

Gout

Gout is a form of arthritis where uric acid crystals build up in the joints and create extreme pain and inflammation. The joint of the big toe is often the area that’s impacted the most. It affects about 9.2 million people in the U.S., mostly older adults and men.

As gout is excruciating, it impacts mobility. A diet that avoids red meat, shellfish, and alcoholic beverages is important. Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen and prescriptions that lower the level of uric acid in the body are also common treatment methods.

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is most common in middle age and affects about 4 million people in the U.S. It’s a form of arthritis where pain radiates all over the body and also leads to insomnia and fatigue. It’s more common in people who have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.

If your dad has fibromyalgia, his doctor may prescribe medications to help manage the disease. Over-the-counter pain medications are also used. Reducing stress and increasing exercise are also advised.

Whether your dad has one type of arthritis or several, he needs supportive care around the home. There will be days when standing for extended periods is too much. Arrange home care services to help him with tasks that require more flexibility and balance, such as laundry, vacuuming, and meal preparation.

If he wants to help out, he can, but he’ll have a caregiver to monitor him and help prevent a fall or excessive pain. Reach out to our home care advisor to learn more.

Sources: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/step-count-adult-lifetime-round-world-three-times-b573751.html
https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/osteoarthritis.htm
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8348893/
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2787544

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Nashville TN please contact the caring staff at Senior Solutions Home Care. (615) 307-4509

Senior Solutions Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Nashville, Brentwood, Nolensville, Gallatin, Hendersonville, Smyrna, Murfreesboro, Mount Juliet, Lebanon, Goodlettsville, Davidson County, and surrounding areas.

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seniorsolutionshomecarestaff

Staff at Senior Solutions Home Care

At Senior Solutions, we have refined our care management skills and developed high care standards to ensure the best care for our clients and their families, along with a commitment to training and mentorship for our professional caregivers and office staff.

Over the years, we have expanded, providing service in all 95 counties throughout Tennessee, and we now have a growing presence in Georgia.

Senior Solutions is recognized as a top 5% independent agency and a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree in 2018, 2019, and 2020. These types of awards matter to us because they show growth in our goal of eventually touching a million lives. We’re excited to continue that growth and to touch even more families with our commitment to quality care!

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