As people age, they are more likely to have joint discomfort, which can have a substantial impact on mobility and quality of life. Joint pain is often the result of wear and strain on the body, and while it can occur in young people, it becomes more common and persistent with age. For seniors having the support of companion care at home services, loved ones, and the medical team can help them understand their joint pain and ways to prevent it is key.
Why Does Joint Pain Increase with Age?
One of the most prevalent causes of joint discomfort in seniors is osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative joint disease. Over time, the cartilage that cushions the joints deteriorates, resulting in bone-on-bone friction. This leads to discomfort, edema, stiffness, and decreased movement. Osteoarthritis is particularly common in weight-bearing joints such as the hips, knees, and spine.
This isn’t the only reason that joint pain increases with age, however.
Decreased Joint Fluid: Synovial fluid is the lubricant that allows joints to move smoothly. As people age, their production of this fluid declines, resulting in stiffer joints and reduced mobility. Without this lubrication, joints are more prone to wear and tear, resulting in discomfort and agony.
Weakened Muscles: As people age, their muscle mass decreases. This is a condition known as sarcopenia, and the result is less support for their joints. When the muscles surrounding a joint weaken, the joint experiences increased stress and strain, which contributes to joint pain. Weak muscles can affect balance and stability, increasing the likelihood of injury and exacerbating discomfort.
Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions that cause joint inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and gout, can become more common with age. RA is an autoimmune disease in which the body attacks its joints, resulting in swelling, discomfort, and eventual joint destruction. Gout, on the other hand, is a condition in which uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, causing abrupt and intense pain.
Inactivity and Sedentary Lifestyle: It may appear contradictory, but not utilizing the joints sufficiently can cause discomfort. A sedentary lifestyle causes stiff muscles and joints, making movement uncomfortable and difficult. Regular exercise promotes flexibility, strength, and joint health.
What Can Seniors Do About Joint Pain?
First things first, seniors should talk with their medical team, especially if they need pain management.
Then, they can work with companion care at home to come up with strategies to decrease their joint pain, including the following:
Stay Active: Exercise is one of the most effective strategies to deal with joint pain. Low-impact activities such as swimming, walking, and cycling can help to strengthen the muscles surrounding joints without putting too much load on them. Regular stretching can also help seniors maintain flexibility, decreasing stiffness and discomfort.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight puts additional strain on weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips, raising the risk of osteoarthritis and joint pain. Losing even a small amount of weight can drastically improve joint discomfort and mobility.
Dietary Changes: A diet high in anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids can help to minimize joint inflammation. Companion care at home can help seniors’ meal plan to ensure these foods are included in their daily meals.
Joint discomfort is often a common occurrence for many seniors, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t things that can be done to prevent it or minimize the pain. With the support of companion care at home, loved ones, and their medical team, they can learn valuable strategies that improve their overall well-being.
Sources: https://www.nuffieldhealth.com/article/living-with-joint-pain-as-you-age
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17752-joint-pain
https://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/features/joint-pain-management-age
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home Services in Galion OH, please contact the caring staff at Central Star Home Health today. Call 419-756-9449
Central Star Home Health is a Trusted Home Care Agency in Ohio including Ashland, Bellville, Bucyrus, Crestline, Galion, Lexington, Mansfield, Marion, Mt. Vernon, Ontario, Shelby, and Willard.
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