Arthritis doesn’t only happen to the elderly. It is true that as one ages, the prevalence of osteoarthritis increases, but that doesn’t mean arthritis strikes only the elderly. Inflammatory arthritis, which occurs because it runs in one’s family, is most common in middle age, occurring after age 45. Here are some more basics about osteoarthritis:
Joint pain is not inevitable with age
Creaking knees, hips, and ankles aren’t necessarily normal aches and pains that come with age. The pain might signify arthritis, which can be treated. Gaeta published a nationwide telephone survey with some stunning results: nearly one in five (19%) had chronic pain like that caused by arthritis. Yet nearly half said they didn’t know what caused their pain. A physician evaluation is important to properly diagnose the cause of joint pain.
Joint inflammation is not believed to play much of a role with osteoarthritis
Generally, when people think of arthritis, they think of inflammation. But with the particular form of arthritis known as osteoarthritis, it is not believed that inflammation plays much or any role. Other painful conditions of the joints and musculoskeletal system that are not associated with inflammation include fibromyalgia, muscular low back pain and muscular neck pain.
There is currently no cure for arthritis
Today, scientists have learned about the molecules that are involved in inflammatory diseases like arthritis and have developed ways to fight those molecules with medications. Scientists are also looking into whether people with arthritis continue to have improved symptoms after they stop taking medication. For osteoarthritis, the only current cure is joint replacement. A person’s body doesn’t have any way of re-growing cartilage once it has worn away, but surgically replacing it can provide substantial relief in people who have very advanced osteoarthritis.
Find more osteoarthritis resources here.
Call Live Free Home Health Care today to schedule in-home care, and to get a partner in care who can assist with appropriate pain management suggestions for someone with arthritis, as well as ensure a caring person is there when a helping hand is needed.