What Causes Arthritis?
The older you are, the higher the risk of arthritis. It’s estimated that almost 25% of the nation’s adults have this chronic health condition. Your dad is one of them. What is arthritis, and how will it impact your dad’s health?
To better understand what causes arthritis, it helps to know what kind of arthritis your dad has. There are several types, and each one has different causes and symptoms. Learn more about the most common types of arthritis.
Fibromyalgia
Elder Care Ocoee, FL: Seniors and Arthritis
Fibromyalgia impacts around 2% of U.S. adults. It’s a chronic pain condition that can impact sleep, reduce energy levels, and impact emotional and mental health. Common symptoms include stiffness and pain in all of the body, issues with concentration, fatigue, and migraines.
Often, fibromyalgia appears in your middle age. Obesity and family history increase the risk. If your dad has this type of arthritis, exercises like Tai Chi and over-the-counter pain medications are treatment options.
Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis that occurs when uric acid crystals build up in the joints. It’s usually the joint of the big toe that’s affected. There’s no treatment, but over-the-counter pain medications help ease the pain and inflammation.
Avoid red meat, beer, hard liquor, and shellfish. Your dad should make sure his diet focuses on vegetables and whole grains.
Lupus
Lupus is more common in women, but it can affect men. If your dad has it, he was likely diagnosed by his mid-40s. Common symptoms include joint and muscle pain, especially in the neck, upper arms, shoulders, and thighs. Chest pain, anemia, kidney issues, and fever are also common.
Your dad needs to control lupus by focusing on whole foods, getting plenty of sleep, and reducing stress. Exercise is essential, but he wants to talk to his doctor about the best types of activities and how often to do them.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage in joints breaks down with age and use of the joint. It causes bone to rub on bone, which creates pain and stiffness. Exercise, over-the-counter pain medications, and weight loss are the best ways to reduce the discomfort.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body’s immune response attacks healthy cells in the joints. Knees, hands, and wrists are often the three areas impacted by this type of arthritis. It can lead to chronic pain and difficulty with balance and mobility.
Most people with rheumatoid arthritis are in their 60s when it’s diagnosed. If your dad has it, he needs to stop smoking, lose weight, get plenty of exercise each day, and talk to his doctor about medications that reduce the inflammation.
When your dad has arthritis, it’s important to have support for him. Elder care aides provide that support. Hire elder care services to assist your dad with the most challenging tasks.
He may not be comfortable on stairs. Caregivers can vacuum stairs and carry hampers to and from the laundry room. They can drive him to stores and offices if he struggles to check his blind spots thoroughly. Call an elder care agency to learn more.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Elder Care in Ocoee, FL please contact the caring staff at Winter Garden Senior Home Care today. (407) 347-2050
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/data_statistics/national-statistics.html
Founder / Owner
Jennifer Talbot is the Co-Owner of Winter Garden Senior Home Care in Winter Garden Florida.The business opened on Plant Street in October of 2007 (formally known as Age Advantage).
Jennifer remains active in the business and enjoys personally meeting with families looking for professional, classy caregivers. She prides herself in taking the time to listen and appreciate the personalities and life experiences of people who wish to “age in place”.Her unique ability to match people with their ideal caregiver, combined with a strong sense of service is what makes her business so successful.
Mrs. Talbot is a current member and past president of the Winter Garden Rotary Club, past president of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary, active West Orange Chamber member, Recipient of the “Spirit of West Orange” Award 2017, Past Business Networking International Growth Coordinator, Past Committee member and founder of South Lake’s HINT, sustainer member of the West Orange Junior Service League, past board member for AGED, advisory board member for Elder Advocates, a United States Air Force brat, and proud mother of two college graduates.
Rebecca Lanterman
Owner
Rebecca has worked in the Central Florida medical community for over 10 years.She is a native of Winter Garden, Florida andhas a driving passion to serve our seniors.It has been said that Rebecca never meets a stranger.Her experience has been in Hospice, Hospitals, Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Communities where she faithfully served as a community liaison helping residents and families understand the myriad of long term care and healthcare options.
Rebecca is the mom of a little guy who is the twinkle of her eye.She can often be heard telling stories of traveling all around the country pulling her camper.To Rebecca, to live life is to touch it and experience it.Growing up in Central Florida afforded her some unique experiences like being a part of the “Magic” at Walt Disney World where she was a Walt Disney World Spirit Ambassador.She feels that this early indoctrination by The Walt Disney Company helped her understand the true value of serving others.To this day, she still has some of that Pixie Dust.Rebecca has also accomplished countless marathons and triathlons. After the sudden loss of her dad, her training partner, in 2012 she stepped away from the sport.But, as time has passed and healing has taken place, she is back to pursuing their dreams again.This time, her dad, her trusty training partner is keeping pace in her heart.It is from that willingness and drive that Rebecca has a keen understanding of the arduous and often treacherous course that our families are on.And, she is here to come along beside you and be with you each step, each stride, and each hurdle.It’s the old adage “life is a marathon and not a sprint”.She is here along with the team at Winter Garden Senior Home Care to be a part of your journey.
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