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Osteoarthritis And Aging Care Essay

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Aging Care and Osteoarthritis According to Mayo Clinic, Arthritis is one of the most common ailments in the United States. Nearly half of all seniors over 65-years of age suffer from this disease. There are two main forms of arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and osteoarthritis. Both are joint issues that are more common in seniors than in other age groups, but they are very different conditions with different symptoms and treatments. In seniors, the most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when life events have worn away the cartilage between the joints. As the cartilage tears and wears away, the bones rub against each other causing pain. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, but the most commonly…show more content…
For example, losing weight can bring tremendous relief to joints that are under stress, and cold packs can reduce the swelling and inflammation of irritated joints. A diet of anti-inflammatory foods can also be quite helpful. Some of the most popular foods with great anti-inflammatory properties include turmeric, cold water fish like salmon and mackerel, primrose, hemp, and black currants. Many studies have found that the anti-inflammatory properties of the food are even more beneficial than NSAIDs. Although it may hurt to move them, one of the key components to osteoarthritis therapy involves moving the joints. Without proper movement, the joints get stiff and hurt even more. Yoga, pilates, tai chi, and exercises performed in water have been found to be of great benefit. Aging care personnel can help your senior loved one in their quest to be pain-free. From helping with household tasks to providing transportation to the gym or pool, even shopping and preparing nutritious meals, aging care support can make a huge difference in your senior loved one's
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