Arthritis and Elderly Adults: What Do You Need to Know?
There are many people that believe arthritis is just one condition. The truth is that arthritis includes many different conditions of the joints. Each one of these conditions will have different causes and various side effects. Research shows that there are over 100 kinds of arthritis. However, the most commonly seen types of rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia.
Home Health Care Morris County NJ – Arthritis and Elderly Adults: What Do You Need to Know?
Most of the people who have arthritis are 65 years and older. There are millions of people who suffer from some form of arthritis every single year. If your elderly loved one is dealing with undiagnosed pain in their joints on in other areas of their body, they could have some type of arthritis. Learning more about the various types of arthritis can help you to get your elderly loved one the treatment that they need.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis or RA is one of the most common kinds of arthritis. Professionals don’t quite know what causes RA. With this being said, research does show that hormones and genes are the main reasons for the onset of rheumatoid arthritis. When someone’s immune system functions are off, it starts to attack the lining in joints. Instead of keeping someone safe from bacteria and viruses, the person’s immune system is overactive and will cause healthy joints to become damaged. This can lead to severe inflammation in the joints and slight inflammation in other parts of the body, as well.
The main people who have RA are 50 and older. However, people of any age can get this condition, even children. If your elderly loved one is experiencing pain in their fingers, wrists, and hands, have their home health care provider take them to the doctor to get checked out for a possible RA diagnosis.
Osteoarthritis
Research shows that another one of the most common types of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Senior citizens are the age group that is most affected by this condition. The majority of people who have this condition are 65 years and older. This condition will disintegrate joints from the inside. Most of the time it happens due to older age. Overuse of joints, injuries, and being overweight can also cause this condition. If your elderly loved one is experiencing pain in their hips, knees, lower back, hands, and/or neck, they may have osteoarthritis. You can have them see their doctor for a possible diagnosis.
Psoriatic Arthritis
The majority of people who get psoriasis (a condition of the skin that will cause a scaly and itchy rash) will also have psoriatic arthritis or PsA. Research shows that millions of patients who have psoriasis will also have PsA. This is another kind of autoimmune system arthritis. The immune system will attack the person’s healthy joints and tissues. There are 5 types of PsA including asymmetric, symmetric, distal, arthritis mutilans, and spondylitis. If your elderly loved one experience pain and or stiffness in their spine and/or neck, they may have this condition.
There are different treatments that can help people to manage and deal with the various types of arthritis. If your elderly loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms above, have them see their doctor for a potential diagnosis.
Sources: https://www.healthline.com/health/arthritis-types
https://www.rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Rheumatoid-Arthritis
https://www.everydayhealth.com/arthritis/index.aspx
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4206220/
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