The National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion reports that 50% of adults 65 years or older have been diagnosed by their physician with arthritis. This is a staggering statistic. Arthritis is a term that actually includes a group of more than one hundred rheumatic diseases. Oesteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and fibromyalgia are the most common forms of the disease that affect older individuals.
There are many ways that seniors can cope with a diagnosis of arthritis. Early intervention is critical. Identifying a diagnosis early on can lower the chances of additional joint damage and offer relief from pain associated with the condition. If ever an emergency should occur and the arthritis pain in too great for self assistance, owning a medial alert bracelet can be life saving.
TREATMENT
There’s a wide variety of medical treatments available for arthritis. A primary care physician can diagnose the specific type of arthritis affecting joints and work to design an effective treatment plan. Drug therapy isn’t the only option for dealing with this condition. There are other therapies that can be used to complement this approach. Physical and occupational therapy may be considered. Hot and cold treatments may be recommended. Alternative therapies such as biofeedback, accupuncture, meditation, and relaxation techniques are also possibilities. Natural supplements are controversial but there is much information available about this approach. It’s vital to include your doctor in any decisions related to your plan of care.
NUTRITION
A healthy diet is important for everyone but it’s a special concern for individuals with arthritis. Guidelines for a balanced diet include eating a variety of foods while avoiding excessive fats, cholesterol, sodium, and sugar. A nutritional diet needs to include moderate starch and fiber. Multivitamins contain essential nutrients needed by the body. Seniors affected by gout have special dietary restrictions that need to be taken seriously. Certain foods such as sweetbreads, liver, broth, gravy, and sardines can aggravate the condition. Excessive amounts of alcohol is also strongly discouraged.
EXERCISE
Twenty years ago, it was thought that exercise would increase inflammation and cause further damage to joints. Research has proven exactly the opposite. It’s now recognized that a balance between physical activity and rest is critical to coping with the effects of arthritis. A primary care physician and a physical therapist may work together to design an exercise plan that includes range-of-motion, strengthening, and endurance activities. There are many factors involved in determining the best plan of exercise including the stability of joints and the amount of inflammation involved. A past history of joint replacements may also affect how appropriate exercises are chosen.
KNOWLEDGE
Building an understanding of this disease is key in dealing with arthritis. Education allows seniors affected by this condition to participate more fully in their own care. The Arthritis Foundation is a major resource of reliable and inexpensive information. The organization offers many free brochures on topics of interest to those coping with arthritis. The Internet contains a vast sea of health-related information but care should be taken to verify the credentials of those offering any medical advice. Support groups are a great place to get first-hand and personal information about others experiences with arthritis. This is a resource that can also offer emotional encouragement to aid those coping with the affects of this disease.
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