Arthritis in the Elderly
Arthritis means inflamed joints, and there are many types of arthritis. The commonest type is osteoarthritis, which is a problem of wear and tear due to excessive use over the years and to old injures in the affected joints. Most cases of arthritis are mild and people cope with it. Arthritis does not necessarily get worse as you get older; sometimes it can get less painful (arthritis in the lumbar spine is a good example of this.)
What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis? 骨关节炎的症状有哪些？
- Pain, swelling or stiffness in one or more joints
- Pain or stiffness in the back or neck
- Pain and stiffness after heavy activity such as gardening or housework or long walks and on getting up in the mornings; light activity might actually relieve some of the symptoms.
Which joints are affected?
Osteoarthritis mostly affects the weigh-bearing joins such as the spine, knees and hips. The base of the thumb, the ends of the fingers and the big toes are also common sites.
Management of Joint Pains & Gout
What is the Treatment for Arthritis? 关节炎的治疗方法是什么？
There is no cure, but there are many ways to make life more comfortable and keep you mobile and independent.
Diet
Keep your weight down to avoid unnecessary wear on the joints. No particular diet has been proved to cause, or improve, osteoarthritis.
Exercise
Keep a good balance of adequate rest with sensible exercise (such as walking, cycling and swimming), but stop any exercise or activity that increases the pain.
Heat
It is usual to feel more comfortable when the weather is warm. A hot-water bottle, warm bath or electric blanket can soothe the pain and stiffness. Avoid getting too cold.
Physiotherapy
This can be most helpful in improving muscle tone, reducing stiffness and keeping you mobile.
Walking aids
Shoe inserts, good footwear and a walking stick can help painful knees, hips and feet.
Medication
Aspirin and paracetamol are effective pain-killers. Your doctor may prescribe special anti-arthritic medications, which should be taken with food. Inform your doctor if you have had a peptic ulcer or get indigestion.
Special equipment
It is possible to increase your independence at home. There is a wide range of inexpensive equipment and tools that can help with cooking, cleaning and other household chores. These can be discussed with your physiotherapist or occupational therapist.
Surgery
Modern surgery can give excellent results with relief of severe pain for most joints. The new techniques and artificial joints are improving all the time, and so there is no need to suffer with severe pain.
Osteoarthritis of the Hip 髋关节骨关节炎
Replacement of your worn-out joint with an artificial hip made of a combination of metal or plastic is a very common operation. More than 90% of these are most successful.
Osteoarthritis of the Knee
Modern knee replacements are also giving excellent results, and if you have crippling knee pain this operation can give great relief.
Difference between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
骨关节炎和类风湿关节炎的区别
Please seek Medical attention as soon as possible if you are unsure of you or your family's health condition.
Kevin Stone: The bio-future of joint replacement
Arthritis and injury grind down millions of joints, but few get the best remedy - real biological tissue. Kevin Stone shows a treatment that could sidestep the high costs and donor shortfall of human-to-human transplants with a novel use of animal tissue.
Healthy Aging 健康老龄化
Healthy Diets for Optimal Health
|
The information provided in this website is for knowledge purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice.
Should you encounter any medical problem that you are unsure of, always consult your doctor or health care provider for assistance and medical advice.