Five Ways to Treat Arthritis at Home
Arthritis can wear your elderly loved one out way more than either of you might realize. It’s painful and it can limit your senior’s activity much more severely than she wants. These treatments aren’t complicated, but they can help.
Alternating Heat and Ice
Heat and ice can be helpful for people with arthritis. The heat can help to warm the joint, which can allow joint fluids to ease movement. It can also help to relax tense muscles around the joint, allowing them to support the joint and its movements much more easily. Ice can help with inflammation and pain. It reduces pain as well. It’s a good idea to use each for only a few minutes at a time. Your senior’s doctor can give you exact timing for her situation.
Moving More
Your senior’s doctor may also recommend exercise. Moving affected joints a little more helps to keep them functional. The joint fluid helps to lubricate the joints more readily as they move. But exercise also helps to strengthen the areas around the joints. Stronger muscles can be a better support for your senior’s joints when they’re in pain.
Eating a Healthier Diet
Your senior’s diet affect every area of her health, including how she deals with arthritis pain. Protein helps to build up her muscles and fuel her body. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains offer her plenty of vitamins, minerals, and fiber that her body needs. There may be other recommendations that your senior’s doctor makes based on her overall health.
Regular Massages
Massage is an important part of health management, but it’s often overlooked as a luxury rather than the healing necessity it can be. Massage works the fluid out of muscles and joints, which can help to reduce inflammation for your senior. It can also help to improve range of motion, which is incredibly important for your senior.
Using Assistive Devices
Few people really enjoy using assistive devices, but they’re a way for your elderly family member to continue to be independent while still ensuring that she’s not taxing her body too much. Canes, walkers, and other assistive tools, like braces, can support her ability to continue to be mobile. Talk to your senior’s doctor about the best ways for your senior to use these tools.
These treatments are likely going to be tools your senior uses in addition to whatever her doctor recommends for her to try. Something else to consider is that if she’s trying to do too much, she can wear herself out. Elderly care providers can pick up that slack, allowing your senior to only do what she’s able to do without pushing herself.
If you or an aging loved-one is considering Elderly Care Services in Eastman GA please contact the caring staff at Angels of Mercy Private Homecare Services, Inc. today at 478-745-5111.
Angels of Mercy Private Homecare has been providing in-home care services since 2002 throughout the Macon and Middle Georgia Area.
Angels of Mercy Private Homecare Services provides in-home care that improves the lives of the clients. Our services help them maintain the highest possible level of independent living. We provide In-home private duty care and care management services for seniors throughout the Middle Georgia area.
Our CNA (certified nursing aides), caregiver, and companion services allow our clients to age in the place where they feel most comfortable and secure - at home. Combine our Home Care Services, with our Geriatric Care Management component, and we provide the most comprehensive assistance for the Middle Georgia areas seniors.
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