Brenda Lyle – Hometown News
Q: Any tips for bad arthritis?
A: Old “Uncle Arthur” affects more than 50 million U.S. adults and 300,000 children, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition with swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. Frequently experienced by older people, arthritis can occur in all ages, races and genders. Most often, we hear about three of arthritis’ many forms: degenerative (osteoarthritis), inflammatory (like rheumatoid or psoriatic), or metabolic (gout). The most common is osteoarthritis (OA).
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis is often described as degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis. It occurs most often in the hands and weight bearing joints, like hips and knees. Cartilage within a joint slowly begins to wear down and the underlying bone experiences change. Symptoms like pain, stiffness, and swelling sometimes causes a decrease in function, leaving some people unable to work or perform daily tasks.
Treatments old and new
Today, OA sufferers have a broad range of treatment options. While there is no cure, medication standbys like analgesics and pain relievers can help with the stiffness and discomfort.
More modern treatments include Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). This therapy uses concentrated injections of a patient’s own platelets to accelerate healing and reduce inflammation. In the late ’90’s, viscosupplementation therapy was introduced. It involves injection of hyaluronic acid into the arthritic joint. Successful at reducing OA pain 86% of the time, it is also covered by most insurance providers and Medicare!
Exercise in water
Many doctors recommend aquatic therapy, because it allows you to exercise without putting excess strain on your joints and muscles. Adam Rhoads, Physical Therapist from Aquatic Health and Rehabilitation in Viera, agrees. “Aquatic therapy in a warm water pool is wonderful for arthritic joints, allowing for physical therapy sessions with greater mobility and less pain.”
Fight “Uncle Arthur!” If you are struggling with the chronic pain of osteoarthritis, contact One Senior Place in Viera at 321-751-6771 for a list of resources in your area.
One Senior Place is a marketplace for resources and provider of information, advice, care and on-site services for seniors and their families. Questions for this column are answered by professionals in nursing, social work, care management and in-home care. Send questions to AskOSP@OneSeniorPlace.com, call 321-751-6771 or visit One Senior Place, The Experts in Aging.
Brenda Lyle is a Certified Care Manager and Certified Dementia Practitioner with One Senior Place, Greater Orlando.
