As we grow older, joint pain may start to become more common and intense. For seniors living in Frankfort, Versailles, Midway, Georgetown, and Lawrenceburg, Senior Helpers Bluegrass offers in-home senior care when joint pain becomes difficult to manage. In this blog post, we'll cover the causes behind joint pain as you age, natural remedies for easing the pain, and medical treatments for more severe cases.
Causes of Joint Pain as You Age
A variety of different conditions can cause joint pain. The most common age-related causes of joint pain include:
- Osteoarthritis: This is a type of arthritis caused by the breakdown of cartilage, the cushioning material that covers the end of bones in the joints. This often leads to stiffness, swelling, and pain in the affected area.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune form of arthritis in which the body's immune system attacks the joints, leading to inflammation, stiffness, swelling, and pain.
- Injury: Common injuries such as sports injuries, falls, and strains can cause joint pain.
- Other Conditions: Other conditions such as gout, bursitis, and tendonitis can also cause joint pain.
Natural Remedies for Joint Pain
Many older individuals consider joint pain to be part of the normal "wear and tear" associated with aging, but you should never ignore your pain. There are several natural remedies for managing joint pain, including:
- Exercise – Regular exercise can help to increase the range of motion in joints and strengthen the muscles around them. However, it is important to be aware of the pain levels and not overexert yourself.
- Diet – Eating a healthy and balanced diet can provide the body with the necessary nutrients to help protect the joints. Vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and glucosamine are all known to help reduce joint pain and improve joint health.
- Supplements – Supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin can be helpful in protecting the joints and reducing pain and swelling.
- Herbal Remedies – Herbal remedies such as ginger, turmeric, and green tea are known to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce joint pain.
Always speak with your physician if you are considering making drastic lifestyle changes.
Medical Treatments for Joint Pain
For more severe cases of joint pain, medical treatments may be necessary. Though over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help reduce pain, when the pain becomes too intense to manage, your doctor may recommend physical therapy or even surgery. Of course, surgery is typically reserved for the most extreme cases and not a decision you can expect to make unless you and your doctor have determined that other non-invasive options have not helped improve your situation.
Senior Helpers Can Help
Joint pain can be a common occurrence as you age, but it doesn't have to be unmanageable. With the right combination of natural remedies and medical treatments, joint pain can be eased and even preventable. For Seniors living in Frankfort, Versailles, Midway, Georgetown, and Lawrenceburg, Senior Helpers Bluegrass offers in-home senior care, specializing in helping seniors manage their lives. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you live a healthier, happier life!