Joint Issues to be Aware of as we Get Older
As we age, unfortunately it’s common to experience some level of joint pain. There are things we can do earlier in life to lower the risk, such as exercising, eating a balanced diet and drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated can even help to reduce joint pain after you’ve started experiencing it, as it helps to lubricate the joints.
However, it can depend on the root cause of your pain, so it’s important to speak to a doctor. In the meantime, we’ve put together a list of the most common causes.
Further Reading: How To Embrace Your Age Whatever It Might Be
Health As We Age – 3 Joint Issues To Be Aware Of
photo by Mikhail Nilov
Joint Issues to be Aware of #1
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis that mainly affects us at an older age, as it is generally caused by wear and tear. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joints begins to break down and wear away. This can cause pain, stiffness, and tenderness in the affected joints.
Osteoarthritis can’t be cured, but you can manage the pain with medication, physical therapy or surgery in prolonged cases that don’t respond to other treatments.
Further Reading: 4 Ways to Take Care of Your Overall Health as You Age
photo by Yan Krukov
Joint Issues to be Aware of #2
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of autoimmune disorder that can affect people of any age, although it is less common among the older generation than osteoarthritis. The primary symptoms of this disorder can be similar – inflammation, pain, and stiffness – but the cause is quite different.
It is caused when the body’s immune system malfunctions and attacks the lining of the joints. This condition is long-term and can’t be fully cured, but there is medication available that has been proven to cause remission of symptoms.
photo by Liliana Drew
Joint Issues to be Aware of #3
Gout
Gout is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the blood which can cause crystals to form around your joints, causing sudden, severe attacks of pain and inflammation. Gout doesn’t specifically affect the elderly, but some of the factors that put you at risk are more common as you get older. These include high blood pressure, osteoarthritis and taking diuretics amongst others.
You can help to reduce your chances of suffering from gout by staying hydrated, limiting the amount of alcohol, red meat and seafood that you consume, and maintaining a healthy weight.
If you think you may have gout already, try not to worry. Although it can’t be completely cured, there are treatment plans that can sometimes prevent you from having any additional attacks as long as you stay on track.
Feature photo by SHVETS Production
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