Does Your Elderly Loved One Have Arthritis?
Is your elderly loved one experiencing a lot of joint or back pain? Maybe they have pain in their neck, as well. They could have arthritis. This condition is very common in senior citizens. As people age, their body becomes more stiff and tense. Many older people have a tougher time getting out of bed in the morning. This is because, the longer they sit or lay down, the more tense and stiff they are. If you aren’t sure whether your loved one has arthritis, there are some signs to look for.
Sore Joints
Elderly Care in Lake Forest, IL: Seniors and Arthritis
Does your elderly loved one have sore joints? Usually, with arthritis, the joints are sore after sitting, laying down, or not using the joint for an extended period of time. However, they may also be sore after using them too often. If this is happening with your elderly loved one, you may want to have them see their doctor for an arthritis assessment. In the meantime, you or elderly care providers may have to help your elderly loved one with certain things. You may also need to remind them to move around more if they are being too inactive.
Ease of Stiffness
Does the stiffness your elderly loved one is experiencing go away or ease up when they start doing an activity? If they have arthritis, they might be stiff after sitting or laying down for a while. However, when they get up and start moving their joints or their body, the pain and stiffness should ease up. If this happens, your elderly loved one could have arthritis. If you aren’t sure whether this is happening, you can have an elderly care provider test it. They can go to your loved one’s house in the morning to see how they are feeling when waking up. Then, they can see how your loved one is feeling after moving around.
Posture, Walking, and Coordination Issues
With arthritis, people usually develop posture, walking, and coordination issues, as well. This is due to the stiffness and pain they experience. For example, some people who have severe arthritis may not be able to stand up straight. They are in too much pain. In addition, your elderly loved one may not be able to open jars, walk without a limp, or stand for extended periods of time. All of these things could be due to arthritis.
Conclusion
These are some of the signs that might suggest your elderly loved one has arthritis. If you or an elderly care provider can spot these signs in your loved one, schedule an arthritis assessment with their doctor. If arthritis is diagnosed, the doctor can make a treatment plan to help your loved one improve their quality of life.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Elderly Care in Lake Forest, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.
Sources
https://scdhec.gov/health/diseases-conditions/arthritis
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