Is it Arthritis?

Arthritis is pretty common, especially in older adults. But it might surprise you to realize that some symptoms and situations associated with arthritis may make you and your senior question whether that’s what she’s dealing with now. Her doctor can confirm arthritis, but some of these signs can help her to realize that it’s time to bring the topic up at her next appointment.

Your Senior Starts the Day Slower

Arthritis is often worst in the morning, after your elderly family member has been lying down for hours at a time. This happens because those joints haven’t been moving, which allows inflammation to build up. Waking up with sore, stiff joints means that your elderly family member might be taking longer to get her day going and she may find that even getting out of bed takes longer than it used to take.

Her Major Joints Ache More than Before

Arthritis can affect any joint in your senior’s body, but she is most likely to notice it in the earliest stages in her large joints. She might find that she’s got more pain and stiffness in her hips, her knees, and her back. Hands are another spot where your elderly family member may be noticing more pain and irritation than usual.

Some Joints Are Visibly Swollen

Early in the day or when her joints are particularly painful, your elderly family member may start to notice that some of her joints are visibly swollen. Ice can help with that swelling, as can elevating the joint. Along with the swelling, your senior’s joints might also feel hot and look red. Those signs can calm down as the swelling is relieved.

She Mentions it’s More Difficult for Her to Move

In some cases, your elderly family member might not experience visible swelling or even a great deal of pain, but she might mention that it’s more difficult for her to move. She might find that her range of motion is more limited than it has been or that she’s experiencing discomfort. After she does get moving, it can be a little easier for her to move those joints.

If your elderly family member is experiencing painful joints, stiffness, and swollen joints, make sure that you talk to her doctor. There are treatments that can help. Also, consider hiring elderly care providers. They can help your senior to ease into her daily without as much pain and frustration as she may have been experiencing.