Arthritis is debilitating and coupled with the other concerns that the elderly deal with the stiffness and pain associated with arthritis can be frustrating and frightening.
The major complaint by individuals who have arthritis is joint pain. Pain is often a constant and may be localized to the joint affected. The pain from arthritis is due to inflammation that occurs around the joint, damage to the joint from disease, daily wear and tear of the joint and muscle strains caused by forceful movements against stiff, painful joints and fatigue.
Simple day to day tasks that we take for granted are a challenge to those afflicted with debilitating arthritis. A short walk to the mail box can tax a person’s energy, leaving way for potential accidents. Any activity involving carrying objects can be made dangerous by the fact that the individual is in pain.
Due to the fact that the treatment for arthritis is both medical and physical this makes it an ideal ailment for which home care services might be required.
It has been known for physical exercise to help relieve some of the pain associated with arthritis due to the gentle moving of the joints in question. Doing basic exercises in your home, or a plan made by a medical professional, is something a friend, a family member or a caregiver can assist the elder with.
The other treatment for arthritis is medication. The main importance in using any medication is that it is taken on time and in the correct amount. At the moment the medicinal treatment for arthritis, due there being no cure, is pain relief medication.
If you have a loved one, of any age, who suffers from one of the many forms of arthritis the easiest way to make their lives easier is to be there for them. People love, and need to be, independent – however, when the pain strikes and they are having a bad day help them with the essential chores around the house and help keep their standard of living as decent as possible.
