Have you dealt with discomfort or tightness in your joints as a result of periods of inactivity or excessive use? Perhaps you are affected by osteoarthritis (OA), the most typical type of arthritis. So, what’s happening inside your body? The breakdown of cartilage results in friction of the bones, contributing to stiffness, pain and loss of movement in the joint. This particular type of arthritis normally affects the knees, hips, neck, hands, and lower back.
If you believe osteoarthritis could be impacting your life, Live Well at Home in Sacramento recommends getting a complete physical exam by a medical professional and using an agency like Live Well at Home to help provide arthritis care and other senior care services.
The information below can help you understand the symptoms of osteoarthritis, as well as strategies to help effectively manage the condition.
Osteoarthritis Symptoms:
Pain or stiffness in joints after periods of inactivity or excessive use.
Grating or “catching” feeling during joint movement.
Bony growths at the margins of impacted joints.
Management of Osteoarthritis:
Effective treatment solutions often entail a blend of medicines, rest, physical activity, joint protection, use of cold or heat to reduce pain, and occupational and/or physical therapy.
Many people with OA prefer pain medications such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help in reducing joint pain, stiffness and swelling.
Staying physically active keeps joints pliable and preserves or improves muscle strength.
Joint protection reduces the risk of strain or stress on painful joints.
Maintaining a healthy weight is critical for prevention of and to slow the progression of OA impacting the weight-bearing joints (knees and hips) and lower back.
Corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid derivatives can sometimes be injected into joints that are unresponsive to treatment.
Live Well at Home can help aging adults with osteoarthritis to continue to live at home and retain their independence. Call us at 916-459-3220 for more information about our Sacramento home care services. We will give you a care partner who can assist with appropriate pain management and ensure a helping hand is available whenever needed. Here are just a few of the ways our home care agency can help you:
Giving safe, dependable transportation to healthcare appointments and procedures
Running errands such as picking up prescriptions and groceries
Providing a pleasant companion to encourage physical activity
Preparing nutritious, delicious meals
Contact Live Well at Home online today to learn more about our home care services for your senior family members in Sacramento!
*Tips courtesy of the Arthritis Foundation