What Are a Few Things That Really Lead to Arthritis?

As reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 54 million individuals worldwide suffer from arthritis. Around one in four individuals suffer from chronic joint pain due to this illness. You may have dealt with this firsthand if you are a home care worker or the child of an elderly person.

 

Home Care in Philadelphia PA: Arthritis

Home Care in Philadelphia PA: Arthritis

 

Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling are the hallmark symptoms of arthritis, a group of diseases that encompasses a wide range of conditions. Arthritis may be caused by anything from an uncommon illness to simple wear and tear. Understanding the root causes of your elderly loved one’s arthritis is crucial for selecting the most effective course of therapy. The following are the most common triggers of arthritis in the elderly.

 

Physical Stress Can Be a Common Factor

Mechanical stress, which leads to osteoarthritis, is the leading cause of arthritis in the elderly. Bone and cartilage in a joint deteriorate over time, leading to osteoarthritis. This breakdown is often the result of continuous stress on the joint. Arthritis of this sort most often affects the joints that support the body’s weight, including the knees, hips, and spine. Still, it may also manifest in other frequently utilized areas, such as the joints at the ends of the fingers and the neck.

 

Autoimmune Disorders Can Be a Problem

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when a senior’s hyperactive immune system attacks healthy tissue in the joints. In contrast to osteoarthritis, this arthritis often manifests with joint swelling and redness. Joint function loss may occur over time with rheumatoid arthritis, but the disease can be managed with medication to lower inflammation and the immune response.

 

Gout and Acid Buildup

When uric acid levels in the blood become too high, crystals form in the joints, causing the painful condition known as gout. Gout may have several causes, including genetics, diabetes, and an unhealthy diet, making it one of the most challenging forms of arthritis. Gout often manifests in the joint near the base of the big toe, although it may also manifest in other joints in the hands, foot, and legs.

 

Genetics Can Play a Huge Role

In most situations, arthritis cannot be avoided. Some individuals have genes that accelerate the breakdown of cartilage over time, trigger an immune system assault on the joints, or prevent the body from eliminating excess uric acid. Arthritis may have several distinct subtypes, each with its unique genetic basis.

 

Injuries May Cause More Inflammation

At times, injuries might be severe enough to trigger the onset of osteoarthritis. This kind of arthritis often presents itself in the elderly after an injury, such as a fall that results in a direct hit to the knee, hip, shoulder, or ankle. Arthritis brought on by trauma is notorious for producing disabling joint abnormalities and instability. If your senior needs help to deal with injuries from the past or new injuries, it is time to look at home care provider options for your loved one.

 

Infections Can Impact Your Senior’s Arthritis

Infection of the bone joint is the root cause of septic arthritis. It is unsurprising that the elderly are disproportionately affected by septic arthritis, given the prevalence of risk factors such as diabetes, advanced age, and recent joint surgery. If the infection is treated quickly, the elderly person can keep as much of their joint function as feasible. Among the various ailments that may strike the elderly is arthritis.

 

If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring  Home Care in Philadelphia, PA, and the surrounding area please contact the friendly staff at Suma Home Care. (484) 206-4544

Ibrahim & Mariama Suma-Keita