Home Care Blog>In Home Care  |  May 15, 2020

Living With Arthritis and Elderly Care in Calgary, AB

Comfort Keepers offers elderly care services that help seniors navigate life with arthritis in Calgary, AB

Living With Arthritis | There are two types of arthritis – osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is more common and is likely the type of arthritis someone might get as they age. With this type of arthritis, the cartilage that usually acts as a padding or cushion to the bone gets worn down to the point that bone rubs against bone, which causes pain and swelling.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissue, which leads to weakened cartilage.

Signs of Arthritis

The main symptoms of arthritis are pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints. This may affect only certain areas of the body, like the fingers or knees, or may affect multiple areas. There may also be redness in the area, and you might notice a decreased range of motion.

What to do if you think you or your loved one has arthritis?

If you or your loved one may have arthritis, a visit to the doctor can help to confirm the diagnosis and get you started with elderly care and placed on a management plan. In order to diagnose arthritis, your doctor may take a sample of joint fluid. They may also take an X-ray, which can show if there’s any cartilage loss or bone damage.

How to Manage Arthritis

While there isn’t a cure for arthritis, there are many elderly care options to manage it. In fact, many people live with arthritis and are able to do most of the things they used to do. Starting treatment at the first sign of arthritis can help to prevent it from getting worse later on.

Anti-inflammatory and painkiller medication are often suggested to patients with arthritis, and for mild to moderate arthritis, over-the-counter medications work well. Physical therapy is also helpful for many seniors who have arthritis.

Regular movement and exercise can help manage arthritis inflammation and pain. Standing or sitting in one position for too long can aggravate arthritis for some people, so adjusting your position regularly can help manage flare-ups.

Eating well and maintaining a healthy weight can also help reduce arthritis symptoms. Make sure to get nutrients that help promote healthy joints – for example, Omega 3s are great for joint and bone health. And maintaining a healthy weight reduces the amount of pressure that is put on joints.

For the Elderly Living with Arthritis, Comfort Keepers^® Calgary Can Help

If your loved one was recently diagnosed with arthritis, you may be looking for support. At Comfort Keepers Home Care in Calgary, AB, we provide elderly care services b working with seniors to ensure that they stick to their management program. Whether they need help taking medicine or a reminder to do their daily exercise, we can help. Contact us at our Calgary location today to find out more information about elderly care and to schedule an appointment.

Comfort Keepers Calgary is here to help you and your loved ones get the best care possible.

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