Arthritis and Senior Citizens

A common ailment suffered by many people is arthritis. According to the Arthritis Foundation, it is the leading cause of a disability in American adults and can be especially prevalent in senior citizens as their bodies age and certain functions begin to wear down. The term "arthritis" actually encompasses over 100 different types of the disease. Arthritis can be caused by many factors but generally it occurs when something out of the ordinary happens to the joint: the cartilage can be worn down from years of pressure, the body could be low on lubricating synovial fluid causing the joints to rub against each other, or some type of infection could occur that leads to arthritis.

The main types of arthritis that affect senior citizens include osteoarthritis (loss of cartilage elasticity, often due to age), rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in the joints that can become aggravated), and septic arthritis (infection in the synovial fluid caused by bacteria or a virus). Arthritis sufferers can experience debilitating pain and a decrease in their quality of life. The Arthritis Foundation Pain Center states that the causes of pain are inflammation, damage to the joint tissues, fatigue, and stress or depression caused by the disease.

There are many types of treatments and therapies for arthritis. Medications include NSAIDs, either over the counter or prescription strength, aspirin, medications used to fight malaria, anti inflammatory steroids, and sulfa derivatives. For those with minor pain, ice packs or heating pads can relieve pain, and frequent massages can help alleviate pain. Physical therapy can help people maintain the mobility of their joints and encourage the use of muscle strength to prevent any further breakdowns in the body. Occupational therapy can teach arthritis sufferers to use their bodies effectively for everyday activities with less stress on their joints.

Body weight can also affect arthritis, so it is in the best interest of arthritis sufferers to maintain a healthy body weight and have a proper, nutritious diet. Stress and over activity can also make arthritis worse, so the inclusion of relaxation and positive thinking can do wonders to help relieve arthritis pain. For those who are caregivers, making sure that their patient adheres to any physical therapies or medication treatment is essential to monitoring and managing the disease. Encouraging healthy food choices and exercise is also beneficial.

Although there is no cure for arthritis, there are many resources that provide help and information about the disease including the Arthritis Foundation.