What is Arthritis?
Senior Care in Warren County VA: What is Arthritis?
We’ve all heard the term “arthritis” and probably associate it with the aches and pains of old age. You may believe that arthritis refers to a specific disease, but in reality, it is a term that refers to a group of joint conditions. In general, arthritis refers to inflammation in a joint, and may affect any joint in the body. Arthritis can be difficult to live with because it is painful. Some forms are even debilitating. Understanding arthritis can help you and your parent’s senior care providers to watch for signs of an arthritis condition.
Types of Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability and affects more than 54 million Americans. There are over 100 different kinds of arthritis. While some forms of arthritis are more rare than others, there are three common types of arthritis. They are:
- Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common kind of arthritis. It’s the kind of arthritis caused by “wear and tear” on the joints. Osteoarthritis becomes more common with age and often affects weight bearing joints, like the knees. While it is more common with age, it can also occur because of an injury or when a person is overweight, which places more stress on their joints.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis causes pain and inflammation in the joints and inflammation in the skin. The skin inflammation, or psoriasis, appears as patchy red spots on the skin that are raised. They are red and white in color. Not all people with psoriasis will get psoriatic arthritis. People with psoriatic arthritis sometimes experience swelling in their knees or toes. They may also have discolored or pitted fingernails.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid Arthritis, or RA, is actually an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack the joints. When left untreated, RA can cause serious damage to the joints. Some people with RA develop rheumatoid nodules, which are lumps on the skin that form over joints.
How a Senior Care Provider Can Help
Many people who are diagnosed with arthritis are prescribed medications to help manage the symptoms. Your parent’s senior care provider can help your parent to maintain a regular medication schedule by reminding them to take their arthritis medications at the proper times. Doctors may also recommend physical therapy for seniors with arthritis. A senior care provider can drive your parent to physical therapy appointments and monitor exercises that the therapist recommends be done at home. In some cases, a doctor may determine that surgery is the best course of treatment. If your parent has surgery, a senior care provider can help them through the recovery period once they return home. A senior care provider can ensure your parent remains safe and comfortable while they regain strength and mobility.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring professional senior care in Warren County, VA, please contact the caring staff at LivinRite Home Care. Call Us Today at (703) 634-9991. Serving Northern Virginia, The Valley, and Surrounding Communities
Sources
http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/what-is-arthritis.php
http://www.healthline.com/health/arthritis#overview1
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/home/ovc-20168903
http://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/guide/most-common-arthritis-types#1
https://www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/aag/arthritis.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/diagnosis-treatment/treatment/txc-20169117
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