Coping with Arthritis Pain: Strategies for Seniors

Arthritis is the tenderness and swelling of one or more joints and commonly affects older adults. It’s also more common among the elderly with other chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. With the help of a skilled nursing provider, the symptoms of arthritis are manageable. Here, we discuss strategies to help cope with arthritis pain in seniors:

• Stay physically active.

  Seniors who have joint inflammation need to move as much as they can. While it may seem counterintuitive, joint health relies on movement. A caregiver can help seniors with exercise to reduce pain, strengthen the muscles around the joints, and improve mobility. This improvement in mobility also promotes independent living.

• Follow a balanced diet.

  Excess weight puts extra pressure on weight-bearing joints and contributes to arthritis. In general, a good diet for seniors with arthritis should include foods that are rich in Vitamin E, magnesium, fiber, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. A certified home health aide can assist with meal preparation to help seniors.

• Protect the joints.

  Arthritic joints are unable to tolerate as much stress as healthy ones. Hence, seniors should avoid stressing their joints further by taking breaks as needed and using adaptive tools. Alternative between light-moderate activities and sitting and stretching throughout the day.

• Keep hydrated.

  A large percentage of the joint cartilage is made of water which means dehydration can worsen joint pain. Dehydration can also cause headaches, confusion, and fatigue. Caregivers can help seniors stay hydration to support joint health and function.

Care Art Homecare is your go-to source of reliable and high-quality home care in Orange County, California. To learn more about our services, feel free to reach out to us or set an appointment to discuss your care needs.