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 and further on we discuss four life aids that can help with everyday life
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.
Photo by SHVETS production
Joint Issues to be Aware of as we Get Older and the Life Aids that Help
Mobility issues can be influenced by many health conditions and effects. For some, they may be a consequence of an injury, a condition such as fibromyalgia, or even just age. Someone in their middle thirties might not be as flexible as they were when twenty, unless they’ve been working on this through practices like yoga in that time.
However, mobility issues are more than just reduced flexibility, they can signify a lack of strength, resilience, and function. This can be an issue, because to go through life comfortably, being able to manipulate our body the way we expect is often something we took for granted.
Thankfully, help is out there should you encounter a worthwhile treatment pathway. In this post, we’ll discuss a few methods you can use if suffering from mobility issues, to help establish a higher quality of life:
Photo by SHVETS production
Joint Issues to be Aware of as we Get Older
+ 4 Life Aids that Help
1 – Occupational Aids
When mobility gets tricky, occupational aids can be total lifesavers. For example, typist keyboards can help reduce the strain on your fingers and prevent flare ups of your condition.
In addition, grabber tools to help you nab hard-to-reach items, or specialized utensils that make mealtimes easier to deal with are worth your time. Don’t be afraid to install ergonomic handles, dressing sticks, and more – these clever helpers can give you back a sense of independence.
2 – Sustaining Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy from a specialist treatment centre can be a fantastic benefit for many, because working on your mobility and strength in the hands of a specialist can help you stave off your worst days and feel much more capable for days or even weeks after a session. Combine this with home exercise and you’ll find it much easier to live with as much independence as possible, while delaying the progression of your condition.
Photo by SHVETS production
3 – Walking Braces
Walking braces are a worth investment if you’re struggling to walk independently out in public. A cane, a frame, or even just heading out with a friend can be a promising method of unlocking a sense of autonomy. Some specialist walking boots can also help distribute your weight more easily and allow you to travel shorter distances. Make sure to raise this to your physician, you may be able to gain subsidized equipment you’re entitled to.
4 – Accessibility Requirements
Not all businesses have accessibility requirements, so if heading out for the day or requiring a utility, it’s important for this to be available. This is especially true in public institutions – even individuals have managed to stop going to jury duty because the bathrooms of the courthouse were less accessible than they should have been to someone without a condition.
Thankfully, Google listings can help showcase accessibility provisions, but you can always call up a venue in advance to see what provisions are made. The more advocacy you can offer, the better the wider standards become, especially in new build constructions.
With this advice, we hope you can live your life filled with the dignity you deserve despite your mobility aid. It may take a little time to achieve, but you’ll soon adapt to a new normal and manage yourself with grace.
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