Guide To Living With Arthritis in Edmonton, AB

Edmonton Senior Health  |  March 23, 2020

Living With Arthritis | Arthritis is a general term that is used to describe any of the 100+ conditions and illnesses affecting the joints. One in five adults live with arthritis and most of them are seniors.

Arthritis can severely jeopardize a person’s independence and ability to perform tasks, from simple daily routines to more complex activities. However, with proper management strategies, it can be kept under control and the person diagnosed can lead a normal, happy life.

Living With Arthritis: What Are the Symptoms of Arthritis?

The most common signs of arthritis include joint redness, swelling, warmth, stiffness, and pain, often accompanied by difficulty with movement. Most people know that arthritis affects the hands and feet, but it can actually develop in any joint in the human body. If your loved one notices a problem with their joints, they should contact their doctor as soon as possible.

How Is Arthritis Diagnosed?

Since there are many conditions that fall under arthritis, it is imperative to diagnose the exact type of illness. Doctors typically perform physical exams, examine medical histories, and order blood tests and imaging. As of yet, there is no known cure for arthritis. However, it can be successfully managed.

How Is Arthritis Managed?

Arthritis can be managed through physician-recommended strategies that involve decreasing or increasing physical activity and through lifestyle changes.

Seniors may need to stop performing or limit some activities and engage in exercise regimes and complete therapies suggested by their medical teams. In some cases, where sitting or working in the same position for prolonged periods of time worsens arthritis, older adults may need to take frequent breaks to move and stretch. Before making any changes to physical activity levels, it is vital to consult with a professional.

As excess weight can put an additional strain on the joints, older adults with arthritis may need to alter their diet and lose some weight as well.

Finally, both older adults and those caring for them need to educate themselves on arthritis and build an adequate strategy for managing the condition.

Comfort Keepers Edmonton Can Help Seniors with Living With Arthritis

If you are concerned about the health and wellbeing of your aging loved ones we can help. Comfort Keepers®’ trained caregivers help provide senior clients with the highest quality of life possible to keep them happy and healthy at home. Our Interactive Caregiving™ provides a system of care that addresses safety, nutrition, mind, body, and activities of daily living (ADLs).

What’s more, our trained caregivers are selected with one specific quality in mind: empathy. Care that is empathetic is care that starts in the heart, and it allows us to meet our clients’ exact needs. Learn more about our unique service offering by contacting the Comfort Keepers Edmonton office.

If you live in the Devon, Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or Stony Plain area, contact Comfort Keepers at 780-465-4665.

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

Share This Post: