Senior Arthritis Symptoms & Care
One of the most common diseases in this country, arthritis, afflicts millions of adults and half of all people age 65 and older. The older you are, the more likely you'll have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout.
Many people associate arthritis with the onset of painful, stiff joints. There are, in reality many kinds of arthritis, each with different symptoms and treatments. Most types of arthritis are chronic, and symptoms can last for years. Any part of the body can be affected by arthritis, with some forms causing pain, swelling, warmth and redness in the joints. Other types cause fewer troublesome symptoms but slowly damage the joints.
Recognizing the symptoms of arthritis is the first step towards proper treatment. Common symptoms include:
Lasting joint pain
Joint swelling
Joint stiffness
Tenderness or pain when touching a joint
Warmth and redness in a joint
If you experience any of these symptoms longer than two weeks, see your doctor or consult a rheumatologist. In addition, experiencing fever, illness, or sudden joint swelling and an inability to use a joint, should trigger an immediate physical exam.
Treatment will vary depending on the kind of arthritis diagnosed. In addition to over-the-counter and prescription medication that can help alleviate pain and swelling, your doctor will likely recommend rest, exercise, and a well-balanced diet. Protecting your affected joints will also help tolerate the pain. Wearing the right shoes and using a cane, for example, can help reduce pain in the feet, knees and hips when walking. A variety of household gadgets is also available to help with day-to-day activities, like opening jars or turning a door knob.
For more information on arthritis and treatment, visit the Arthritis Foundation website at www.arthritis.org.
