As the years have unfolded, your mother\u2019s hands have grown increasingly affected by arthritis, with the typical knobs known as Heberden\u2019s nodes or Bouchard\u2019s nodes. All your mother knows is that her hands are no longer recognizable, disfigured from years of use, and now she can no longer open a jar or lift a paintbrush.<\/p>\n
What is Osteoarthritis?<\/strong><\/p>\n Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis among seniors, affecting approximately 49.6 percent of those ages 65 and older. It is caused by the degeneration of cartilage–the tissue that lies at the end of bones, between joints. Eventually, it can lead to the painful condition of bone rubbing against bone. If the pain becomes too severe or movement severely restricted, surgery to repair or replace the damaged joint may be in order. It is always the last resort. Fortunately, there are strategies you and your loved one can look into that may just decrease their pain and increase their mobility.<\/p>\n How to Help<\/strong><\/p>\n Pain, stiffness and swelling are the main effects brought on by arthritis that need to be addressed. Keep trying. While one may offer limited relief, another may be just the solution your parent needs to help increase their quality of life.<\/p>\n