Arthritis Aids - What Could Ease the BurdenArthritis Aids: What Causes It, and What Could Help Ease the Burden Different types of arthritis afflict seniors, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, there are over 100 medical conditions classified as a form of arthritis. Arthritis literally translates into "inflammation of the joint" in the Greek language, the origin of thousands of medical terms. Arthritis affects the skeletal system, and most specifically the areas where bones join together, such as the joints.Most forms of arthritis are caused by general wear and tear on the joints by life itself. By your mid-fifties, you may start feeling aches and pains, stiffness and inflammation over particular joint areas, especially those that have been injured or broken in the past. Arthritis Basics One of the most common forms of arthritis is osteoarthritis, also known as OA. This type of arthritis is very common in the elderly. When someone has arthritis, the cushioning, which may include cartilage, synovial membranes, fluids, or ligaments in joints may be worn down to the point where they no longer properly cushion the ends of bones. These bones then rub against each other, causing pain, swelling and stiffness or limited range of motion. Another type of arthritis that specifically affects seniors is rheumatoid arthritis, which is considered an inflammatory form of the disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women than men, who often experience onset between 40 and 60 years of age. Different forms of arthritis cause different symptoms, but most have several symptoms in common, including pain, stiffness, limited or severely decreased range of motion, lack of joint strength and stability, and sometimes, you can even feel the heat radiating from inflamed joints. Easing the Burden Arthritis Aids Following an arthritis diagnosis, medications may be offered to help reduce inflammation and pain. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs called NSAIDs are a common prescription for arthritis patients. These can be over-the-counter or prescribed by a physician. Exercise and activity is also recommended for arthritis patients. Gentle exercise and stretching help keep the joints lubricated, but talk to your doctor about the type of exercise and frequency of your workouts before starting any exercise program.A number of arthritis aides are available on the market to help ease the burden of taking care of someone with arthritis, or your own arthritis. Some of these products include but are not limited to: * Standing aids and accessories that help increase mobility and stability, which in turn increase independence. Some of the most common mobility aids include scooters, walkers, crutches and canes. Some may find that Geri chairs or a special type of chair-wheelchair provide the best and support, stability and mobility, depending on condition. * Toileting aids (such as toilet seat risers) reduce the distance that a person must squat in order to use the toilet, relieving strain on hips, ankles and knees and reducing fall hazards. * Adaptable eating utensils for easier grasping. * Arthritis aids that improve quality of life in a daily home environment such as larger writing aids, such as pens and pencils, reachers and grabbers, and grips for doorknobs. Reachers and grabbers enable a senior experiencing arthritis the ability to pick up socks from the floor, more easily dress themselves, and reduce the need for bending over or reaching above the head for objects. Such actions increase fall of risk hazards, instability and pain. Large dial clocks and telephones are increasingly common, as are phones, cell phones and clocks with larger digital or auditory readouts. Television remote controls with large buttons and specially designed gardening tools help increase interaction, mobility and independence in a number of scenarios. Arthritis Aids Conclusion Assistive devices for those diagnosed with arthritis enable individuals with bone and joint conditions to be more independent. A number of gadgets and tools are available at your local medical supply stores. Seniors and their loved ones can also look at the wide range of products, information and resources available on the Internet. Whether you're looking for arthritis aids in the house for in home care, for driving, or for outdoor use, aids for those diagnosed with arthritis can make your life a lot easier.Arthritis Aids to Caregiver Products - Home Safety
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