08.04.10
Senior Aches and Pains: Osteoarthritis
One of the hardest parts of aging many seniors face is when your body slows down but your mind is as active as ever. The aches and pains and stiffness, many people attribute to “just getting old” can turn a senior’s life upside down. A quick trip to the doctor’s office may tell you that what you’re experiencing may be more than just “old age.” Osteoarthritis is one of the most common types of arthritis affecting seniors.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in the joints that is a cushion between bones wears down and eventually may disappear altogether leaving bone to rub against bone, causing, pain, swelling, and stiffness. Boney spurs may also form around the joint, contributing to the problem. Muscles and ligaments connected to the joint and bones often loosen and become weak.
What causes osteoarthritis?
There is no known single cause of osteoarthritis other than it is related to aging, but several contributing factors can increase your risk of having osteoarthritis:
Family history of osteoarthritis
Being overweight
Fractures or joint injuries
Long-term overuse, repetitive motion, or high-impact sports activities
Patients with the following medical conditions also have a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis:
Bleeding disorders such as hemophilia
Disorders that inhibit blood circulation near a joint, such as avascular necrosis
Other types of arthritis such as chronic gout, pseudo gout, or rheumatoid arthritis
How do you know if you might be at risk for having osteoarthritis?
Symptoms of osteoarthritis::
Do you have deep aching joint pain in your hands, knees, hips, or spine that gets worse particularly after exercising or gaining weigh?
Is your pain relieved by rest?
Do you feel a grating sensation in the joint when you move?
Do you have pain even when you are at rest?
Does your pain increase during humid or rainy weather?
Do you have any visible joint swelling?
Have you experienced any loss of mobility or range of motion?
Do you any muscle weakness around painful joints?
If you answered yes to one or more of the above questions, it doesn’t mean you have Osteoarthritis, but it does mean you should check with your doctor. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease, so depending on how long you have had it, the above symptoms may appear more or less severely. The symptoms may not all be present, and may not be present at all for some patients who have osteoarthritis. Any of the above symptoms could indicate something else altogether, but if you do experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor and ask about osteoarthritis.
The good news? The effects of osteoarthritis can be reduced and the disease may be slowed down if proper treatment is received. Your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following treatment options depending on which joints are affected:
Medications:
Your Doctor may prescribe over-the-counter pain relievers (Tylenol), nonsteriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen), or the prescription drug, Celebrex, although long term use of the above medications can increase your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Corticosteroids injected right into the affected joint can help reduce pain and swelling, but are not usually used as long-term solutions since they only relive pain for a short time.
Some osteoarthritis patients find some relief from the use of the dietary supplement, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate. Your doctor may recommend a 3 month trial to see if it improves your condition.
Capsaicin (Zostrix) skin cream is used topically to reduce pain. Pain relief may not be felt until after 1-2 weeks of consistent application to the affect joint.
Artificial joint fluid (Synvisc, Hyalgan) may be injected directly into the joint and often provides pain relief that lasts 3-6 months.
Exercise
Your doctor may recommend certain kinds of exercise depending on the joints affected. Exercise can help maintain or even increase your joint mobility, strength, and overall movement. Water exercises such as swimming and water aerobics are often recommended because they work the entire body, but are gentle on your joints. Your doctor may also refer you to a specialist for physical therapy.
Physical therapy
A physical therapist can show you specific exercises and stretches to strengthen the joints and connected muscles which can increase range of motion, and decrease pain and inflammation. Your therapist may also recommend applying heat to relax your muscles or cold to reduce swelling, and a brace, splint, or wrap to help support or immobilize the joint properly. These support should only be used under the advice of your doctor or physical therapist since improper support could lead to loss of mobility, increased stiffness, or injury.
Loosing excess weight
Carrying extra pounds places more stress on the joints, so your doctor may recommend changes in diet and exercise in order to lose weight and relieve pressure on your joints. Eating a healthy, well balanced diet and getting adequate rest will also promote healing in your muscles, ligaments and joints.
Alterations on the job
If your work causes excessive stress on certain joints, your doctor or physical therapist may recommend ways to reduce trauma on joints. Or you may need to adjust your work tasks or request modifications to your work area to help you function without putting added strain on your joints.
Surgery
Patients with severe cases of osteoarthritis may need surgery to replace or repair damaged joints. Surgery options are:
Hip or knee replacement
Arthroscopic surgery to trim torn and damaged cartilage (osteotomy)
Surgical fusion of bones, usually in the spine (arthrodesis)
Realignment of bones to relieve stress
Osteoarthritis doesn’t have to keep you down. Check with your doctor. The effects of “old age” might be reversible or at least able to be reduced. Ask your doctor about osteoarthritis.