An Overview of Osteoarthritis
Author: Debbie Humphrey
One of the most common maladies among seniors and clients at Home Helpers is arthritis, specifically osteoarthritis, which causes physical disability in aging adults making activities of daily living very challenging or virtually impossible.
In an overview of osteoarthritis provided by the National Institute on Aging (NIA), I found important information to share about what it is, risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options that may help you or a senior you love who contends with this painful condition.
What is Osteoarthritis?
The NIA says, “Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that happens when the tissues that cushion the ends of the bones within the joints break down over time. These changes usually develop slowly and worsen gradually, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. In some cases, people living with this disease are no longer able to work or perform daily tasks.”
There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but the effects can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications.
Who is at Risk of Developing Osteoarthritis?
“Anyone can get osteoarthritis, but it is more common as people age. Women are more likely than men to have osteoarthritis, especially after age 50,” says the NIA.
The risk of developing osteoarthritis may also be related to other factors including:
- Obesity or overweight
- History of joint injuries or surgeries
- Overuse from repetitive movements of joints
- Joints that do not form correctly
- Family history of osteoarthritis
These risk factors can damage tissues within the joints which can cause osteoarthritis, but you can minimize your chances of developing it by changing the risk factors you can control.
What Are the Symptoms of Osteoarthritis?
According to the NIA, “Osteoarthritis symptoms range from stiffness and mild pain to persistent, severe joint pain. Common signs include swelling and tenderness, stiffness after getting out of bed, and a crunching feeling or sound of bone rubbing on bone. However, not everyone with osteoarthritis feels pain.”
Osteoarthritis commonly occurs in the hands, spine, knees, hips, and feet.
Hands. “When osteoarthritis involves the hands, small, bony knobs may appear on the end and middle joints (those closest to the nails) of the fingers. Fingers can become enlarged and gnarled, and they may ache or be stiff and numb. The base of the thumb joint also is commonly affected by osteoarthritis.”
Women are most likely to develop osteoarthritis in the hands after menopause, especially if there is a family history of the condition. The historical factor may impact senior men, as well.
Spine. “Osteoarthritis of the spine may show up as stiffness and pain in the neck or lower back. In some cases, arthritis-related changes in the spine can cause pressure on the nerves where they exit the spinal column, resulting in weakness, tingling, or numbness of the arms and legs. In severe cases, these changes can even affect bladder and bowel function.”
Activities of daily living like navigating stairs, getting on or off the toilet or in and out of a chair, gripping a pen, or walking become more problematic. Pain and other symptoms of osteoarthritis may lead to depression, fatigue, or trouble sleeping.
Knees. “The knees are among the joints most commonly affected by osteoarthritis. Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include stiffness, swelling, and pain, which make it hard to walk, climb, and get in and out of chairs and bathtubs. You may hear a grinding or scraping noise when walking or moving. Over time, the knee may start to buckle.”
Hips. “The hips are also a common site for osteoarthritis. As with knee osteoarthritis, symptoms of hip osteoarthritis include pain and stiffness of the joint. But sometimes pain is felt in the groin, inner thigh, buttocks, or knees. Osteoarthritis of the hip may limit the ability to move and bend, making daily activities such as dressing and putting on shoes a challenge.”
What are Treatment Options for Osteoarthritis?
“There is no cure for osteoarthritis, therefore, doctors focus on treatments to ease your pain, help you move better, and stop the disease from getting worse,” explains the NIA.
Treatment options may include:
Exercise. “A safe, well-rounded exercise program can reduce joint pain and stiffness and increase flexibility, muscle strength, and endurance. Try stretching and balance exercises as well as low-impact activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, or tai chi. Always talk with your doctor before starting a new exercise program.”
Weight control. “If you are affected by overweight or obesity, managing your weight can reduce stress on the joints, which may reduce pain, prevent more injury, and increase mobility.”
Medication. “Over-the-counter medications, including oral pain relievers and arthritis creams, can be helpful. Your doctor may also give you a prescription for a pill or inject a medication directly into the joint to reduce inflammation and pain.”
Surgery. “Surgeries that help treat osteoarthritis include osteotomy, which removes a small piece of bone to relieve pressure on the affected joint, and joint-replacement surgery, which removes a part or all of the damaged joint and replaces it with a plastic, metal, or ceramic joint.”
Complementary therapy. “Some research shows that complementary approaches, such as massage and acupuncture, may help relieve osteoarthritis pain. Before using other therapies, talk with your doctor about the best options for your treatment.”
You can try managing osteoarthritic pain by:
- Applying heat and cold therapies
- Using ambulatory devices like a cane or walker can help with safety, balance, and stability, while something like a jar opener can assist arthritic hands
- Paying attention to your posture to alleviate pressure on joints
- Making multiple trips with smaller loads when bringing in groceries or other purchases
- Avoiding repetitive activities like bending at the waist whenever possible
- Seeking out support groups with peers diagnosed with osteoarthritis
For seniors suffering with osteoarthritis in any form, Home Helpers provides in-home care services to assist with activities of daily living for a better quality of life. The compassionate caregivers I employ provide non-medical assistance and support with companion care, nutritious meal planning and preparation, recuperative care, personal care, homemaker services, respite care, specialized Alzheimer’s and dementia care, wellness calls, transportation assistance to doctor appointments and support group meetings, and so much more.
I gladly offer a FREE Consultation to complete an assessment so I can create a personalized care plan and match the perfect caregiver to make life easier.
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