Unfortunately, there is pain associated with arthritis. The pain might come and go. It can also be steady and persistent. The severity of the pain can vary greatly, as well. If you have an elderly loved one, you might want to learn more about the 3 most common types of arthritis. By learning more about these types of arthritis, you can gain a better understanding of the pain they are going through and ways to prevent some symptoms, too.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is one of the common kinds of arthritis that is often found in the elderly. This type of arthritis happens when cartilage starts thinning out and deteriorating. When this happens, friction occurs when the joints move. If your elderly loved one is experiencing pain in their joints, have them make an appointment with their doctor to see if they might have osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is another one of the most common kinds of arthritis. It is an autoimmune disorder that happens when someone’s immune system starts attacking the tissues in their body. When this happens, it erodes the joint lining (synovium) and causes inflammation that is quite painful. If your elderly loved one has this type of arthritis, you can learn how to help them treat and manage some of the pain they are dealing with.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is a kind of arthritis that is caused by inflammation. Generally, this type of arthritis is related to psoriasis. This is a scaly, red skin disease. Those with this type of arthritis generally have swelling in their fingers, toes, feet, ankles, knees, and hands. Sometimes the swelling can become quite severe. This type of arthritis can become very painful, too.
Other Kinds of Arthritis
You have just read about the 3 most common kinds of arthritis. There are also other types of arthritis. One of the main ones is ankylosing spondylitis. This will affect the spine mostly. Gout is another form of arthritis. It is caused by uric acid buildup in the joints. Lastly, there is lupus. This is a type of systemic autoimmune disorder.
Above, you have read about the 3 most common types of arthritis. You have also read about a few more types of arthritis. If your elderly loved one is having pain, they could possibly be experiencing arthritis. You or their elderly care provider should take them to the doctor to get assessed for arthritis.
Sources
https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/faqs.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/types.html
If You Or An Aging Loved One Are Considering Hiring Elderly Care in St. Petersburg, FL, Please Contact The Caring Staff At Assisting Hands Home Care Today! 727-748-4211.
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Becky Moultrie is Owner and Administrator of Assisting Hands Home Care Serving Pinellas. Guided by a motto to Do Good with Love, she’s well positioned to do just that at Assisting Hands. She has a passion for helping families keep seniors and those who are diabled happy and healthy at home. She serves on a number of boards in Pinellas County including the Pinellas Park Gateway Chamber and Better Living Seniors (BLS), leading the Membership Committee. Annually, she hosts a Silver Santa Party, collecting donations for nearly 100 low income seniors in the county. She attends Blessed Sacrament Church, Seminole where she is an Ascribed Member of the Rosminian Order. When not busy Doing Good in the community, Becky is at home with her husband David & their 4 children, tending to their beehives and digging in the garden.
