Helping an Aging Parent Through Arthritis

Caregivers in Old Bridge NJ

Arthritis affects some 53 million people in the United States. While arthritis refers to over 100 diseases that affect the joints, there are three that significantly affect the elderly: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Osteoarthritis is a wearing down of cartilage, tissue that acts as the shock absorber between bones. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder in which the body attacks the lining of the joint as if it were a foreign invader. Gout is caused by the formation of uric acid crystals in the joint space. Symptoms include painful joints with associated aching, stiffness, decreased mobility and swelling.

How to Help

As a family caregiver, it can be difficult watching your loved one suffer. It does not, however, do them any good to suffer with them. What can help them is sharing techniques and tools that can help lessen the pain and stiffness associated with this disease.

• Exercise. One of the greatest challenges of arthritis is the need to exercise even when joints are painful and stiff. Physical activity is crucial to managing pain and increasing range of motion. Activities that do not place a significant load on joints such as jogging or tennis are recommended. They can include yoga, tai chi and water aerobics, to name a few. Many senior community centers offer exercise programs specific to those suffering from the effects of arthritis. Exercise 5 days a week for 30 minutes a day is ideal.
• Weight. Along the same premise, taking a load off of joints is crucial to limiting further damage. Maintaining an ideal weight is one of the best ways to protect the joints. Diets should be high in anti-inflammatory foods which include an abundance of fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Pre-packaged foods should be avoided as they are usually high in sugars or salt along with partially hydrogenated oils—all items to be avoided in an anti-inflammatory diet. Beans are a great addition to the diet and sweet potatoes in place of white potatoes is generally recommended.
• Topical Aid. Topical analgesics are pain relievers that are applied to the skin. They come in creams, gels, sprays and patches. Their active ingredient varies and can include anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); combinations of menthol, eucalyptus and camphor oil; as well as capsaicin—derived from hot peppers.

Source
https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/aag/arthritis.htm
http://www.healthline.com/health/osteoarthritis/arthritis-natural-relief
http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/pain-management/

If you or an aging loved one are considering caregivers in Old Bridge, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Care Street Home Care of New Brunswick today. Call (732) 607-8870.