When most people think about mobility issues with seniors, they might think about seniors’ ability to walk around and get from point A to point B. Mobility concerns cover a wide range of issues, including issues with the hands. Many seniors deal with arthritis in the hands as joints break down from wear and tear over time. Thankfully, there are solutions for seniors coping with pain and limited mobility in their hands. With the help of home care professionals and consistency, they might be able to alleviate some of the concerns.
What Is Arthritis in the Hand?
Arthritis works against the joints. More specifically, Osteoarthritis breaks down the tissues in the joints where the bones meet, causing the cartilage to break down. When this happens, nothing is left to cushion the bones from rubbing against each other. After some time, the ends of the bones are exposed due to the trauma, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. If arthritis continues with no interventions, seniors might lose the ability to carry out tasks as they once did. There are two other common types of arthritis listed below.
Psoriatic Arthritis - arthritis that affects skin and joints
Rheumatoid Arthritis - RA is a chronic disease that is long-term and ongoing. Inflammation is painful and affects the small joints of the hand
Who and What Are Most Affected By Arthritis
Four main areas are typically affected by arthritis. These include the base of the thumb - where the thumb meets the wrist, the knuckles, and the joints of the fingers. Depending on the type and the severity, seniors may notice the same issues in both hands.
Specifically for Rheumatoid Arthritis, if the thumb is affected on the one hand, seniors will notice it on the other hand as well. This might not be the same for Osteoarthritis, as the wear and tear may only affect one hand.
Common risk factors for arthritis include the following:
Individuals who are 50+ for OA
Individuals who are between the ages of 35 and 50 and notice the beginning signs of RA
Individuals who are female
Those who are Caucasian
Those who are overweight
Individuals with a history of hand injuries
Genetics
Common Treatments for Arthritis
Treatment options for arthritis depend on the type and the stage. Medical professionals will examine several factors, including age, whether the arthritis is in the dominant hand, and activity level. They may provide seniors with a list of exercises to help alleviate pain and inflammation. Doctors may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications or a specialized splint for seniors to wear.
Home care professionals can assist seniors with these instructions by encouraging them to wear the splints and complete the exercises. Also, with medication management, loved ones can ensure that seniors receive the prescribed medications.
Additionally, suppose weight issues or poor nutrition are noted. In that case, home care professionals can work with seniors to increase their activity and work toward healthy dietary changes through meal planning and cooking. A supportive team can introduce new cooking methods and foods that seniors might not be familiar with to help them meet their dietary needs.
Source:
https://health.mountsinai.org/blog/what-can-i-do-to-decrease-hand-arthritis-symptoms/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319955#types
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-prevent-arthritis-in-the-hands