- Pain From Arthritis Affects Many Seniors - bjwebbiz
Although there are several different types of arthritis, all of them can cause joint pain. Discover common causes of painful joints as well as contributing factors that may make it more difficult to deal with that pain along with practical, preventive measures.
The Arthritis Foundation’s article “Causes of Pain” that was accessed on June 29, 2010 identifies five main causes of arthritis joint pain, including:
- inflammation
- joint and tissue damage
- fatigue
- stress or depression
Readers may also wish to read What Are the Symptoms of Food Poisoning? Can Food Make You Sick? for information about how a foodborne illness may trigger certain autoimmune disorders.
Inflammation Leads to Joint Pain
Inflammation is swelling and may be accompanied by redness around the joints with arthritis. Enzymes in the body, such as cyclooxygenase I (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase II (COX-2), play a role in the inflammatory response. Many people diagnosed with arthritis take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which work to block these enzymes, to help combat this problem.
Some people attempt to help control inflammation through diet. According to the Arthritis Today online article “Eat to Beat Joint Inflammation,” joint inflammation may be worse when people eat more foods with certain types of omega-6 fatty acids than those with omega-3 fatty acids.
Foods and oils with omega-3 fatty acids that may help reduce inflammation include (an example is the Mediterranean diet):
- fresh fruits and vegetables
- whole grains
- fish
- olive oil
- garlic
In order for the body to properly convert the omega-3 fatty acids to a form that the body can use, it is important to have adequate levels of:
- magnesium
- zinc
- vitamin C
- vitamin B3
- vitamin B6
Foods and oils high in omega-6 fatty acids that might increase inflammation include:
- meats
- egg yolks
- corn oil
- sunflower oil
- safflower oil
- soybean oil
- cottonseed oil
People should discuss diet changes and any supplements, including vitamins and minerals, with a healthcare provider to determine the safest approach.
Damage to Joints and Tissues Causes Pain of Arthritis
Joint and tissue damage are other factors that contribute to the pain of arthritis. It is important to find a balance between a regular exercise program while protecting the joints. Staying in one position can lead to increased joint pain as well as other problems, such as DVT. Not exercising can lead to many problems, such as increased weight and obesity and added work and soreness for the joints.
However, people with arthritis should carefully evaluate how the body is responding to various activities and pace themselves accordingly. Many adaptive devices or self-help products, such as devices to help people put on socks and shoes, are available that can assist someone with arthritis to use problem joints less so that they can enjoy life more while enjoying greater independence.
Protecting joints affected by arthritis may also be helpful to those for whom a physician recommends. Good body mechanics, using proper methods for moving and sitting, can help protect the joints as the person uses larger muscles that have less chance for injury. A wide variety of braces may be prescribed by a healthcare professional that can stabilize the affected joints of osteoarthritis in particular and can help the person to be able to enjoy stronger muscle tone.
Joints can become permanently damaged by arthritis or injuries related to arthritis, and some people’s best course of action is joint replacement surgery.
Fatigue, Stress and Depression Add to Arthritis Pain
When people are overworked and exhausted, it can be more difficult to deal with the chronic pain of arthritis. Learning to listen to body cues and to ask for help when needed can be a liberating experience for someone with arthritis and may help improve pain levels.
Immobility and isolation tend to go along with stress and depression. Together, these can have a snowball effect on a person’s pain level and overall physical and mental health. Breaking the cycle may help people to manage arthritis pain with a more positive approach.
Causes and Tips for Beating Arthritis Joint Pain
Although arthritis and joint pain tend to go together, seniors with arthritis can take a holistic approach and incorporate several preventive strategies to combat that pain. People with arthritis should consult with their healthcare provider to determine which approaches are best for them, such as using medications and adaptive devices, participating in regular exercise programs, incorporating a healthy diet that may reduce inflammation, finding ways to decrease stress and depression, and listening to body cues may help someone with arthritis to enjoy life with less pain.
Readers may be interested in Benefits of Owning Home Gyms and Exercise Equipment, Seniors and Nintendo Wii – How to Avoid Injuries, and Silver Sneakers Offers Free Gym Memberships.
Sources:
Arthritis Foundation articles “Causes of Pain,” “Protect Your Joints,” and “Bracing and Arthritis” accessed on June 29, 2010
Arthritis Today article “Eat to Beat Joint Inflammation” accessed on June 29, 2010
University of Maryland Medical Center article by Steven Ehrlich “Omega-6 fatty acids” last updated on June 26, 2009
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
Katrena Wells - Katrena Wells is a RN in NC with 17 1/2 years of experience in oncology, an educator since 1995, and has taught exercise classes since ...
