Arthritis is a common condition affecting millions of seniors around the world. With the debilitating pain and discomfort associated with this disease, managing this condition is crucial for seniors’ quality of life and overall health. You play a critical role in this process as an adult child or caregiver. This blog post discusses various techniques to manage your parent's arthritis pain. We cover topics such as specific medications, the role of physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and effective home remedies.
Defining Arthritis
Arthritis refers to a condition with over 100 different types. The general description of the term arthritis includes joint pain or joint disease. The symptoms may include swelling, pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion, making daily activities for seniors a challenge.
Medications to Alleviate Arthritis Symptoms
Turning to medication for arthritis pain relief represents one path to managing this condition. Doctors often prescribe medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), analgesics, and corticosteroids. These help reduce inflammation and pain in the joints. Adherence to prescribed medication schedules is critical to achieving effective outcomes.
How Physical Therapy Helps Arthritis Symptoms
Physical therapy is also a significant tool in this battle against arthritis pain, focusing on improving joint function and strength. The physical therapy process includes specific exercises that aim to reduce joint stiffness and improve mobility that you may incorporate into your daily routines.
Fighting Arthritis Symptoms With Lifestyle Choices
Adopting lifestyle changes is another crucial factor in managing arthritis pain. A balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats aids in maintaining a healthy weight and reducing strain on joints.
Regular exercise keeps the joints flexible and strengthens the muscles supporting the joints, and an ideal routine should include a combination of cardio and stretching exercises. Adequate sleep also represents an integral part of pain management, providing the body the rest it needs to heal.
Home remedies such as warm baths, heat pads, cold packs, and topical creams containing capsaicin may bring temporary relief from arthritis pain. However, make sure to consult your doctor before using topical creams.
Seeking Professional Help to Manage Arthritis
Not to be overlooked is the essential role of in-home senior care professionals in managing seniors’ arthritis pain. They provide individualized care plans tailored to the seniors’ needs, assist in medication management, and offer companionship that is often beneficial for seniors' mental health. These healthcare professionals receive training to help with daily chores that might pose a challenge for an arthritic senior, relieving them of the stress of daily living while ensuring their comfort and safety.
We Can Help
While the challenge of arthritis may seem overwhelming, remember that you're not alone in this journey. Your ability to help manage your parent's arthritis pain will significantly improve their quality of life. For further assistance and professional care, consider contacting us today at Senior Helpers Visalia if you reside in Visalia, Hanford, Kings County, or Tulare County. We would love to talk to you about our services for seniors and their loved ones, like Wellness Watch and Companion Care.