Stiffness, swelling, aching, burning. Seniors diagnosed with arthritis know feelings like these very well, varying from minor discomfort to agonizing pain. And regretfully, continual alleviation of these symptoms is usually difficult to acquire. For the 52 million+ Americans diagnosed with arthritis, it’s crucial to maintain a log of when and where the pain is most severe, what activities are being hindered by the pain, and what has been attempted to ease the pain. Sharing these details with the doctor is a good place to begin to put a successful arthritis pain management strategy in place.
At the same time, daily activities can be adjusted to enhance comfort for older adults suffering with the challenges of arthritis. Try these simple recommendations:
- Change your grip: Soreness in the hands and fingers is often worsened when lifting and carrying items with a standard grip (i.e., palm facing downward and grabbing the item). Instead, use both hands, with palms facing up, to pick up objects. This works particularly well with handled items such as bags and handbags.
- Lessen the load: Many of us overload the objects we carry to reduce trips, like attempting to carry as many grocery bags as possible, overflowing laundry baskets, and stuffing purses with a wide variety of items. Reducing the weight of items being carried may help.
- Get innovative: An assortment of adaptive gadgets are available or can be fashioned to aid seniors with arthritis. For instance, simple foam insulation piping can be purchased in varying lengths and widths, and may be used to cover handles on everyday objects such as eating utensils, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, gardening equipment, and more. Dollies and rolling carts work wonders when transporting cumbersome items, such as taking out the trash. A little innovation can go a long way!
- Redistribute weight: Carrying objects closer to the body takes the strain off the smaller joints that usually feel the brunt of arthritis discomfort, such as wrists, hands and fingers.
For more guidelines on better managing arthritis pain, contact the professional senior care experts at Live Free Home Health Care. Some of the many ways we can help include:
- Providing transportation and accompaniment to medical appointments
- Picking up prescriptions and running errands
- Preparing meals and assisting with light housework and laundry
- Helping with personal care such as bathing, dressing, and ambulation
- And much more
Give us a call any time at 603-217-0149 or answer a few questions on our online contact form to learn more, or to arrange for a free in-home consultation.