Tips to Help Seniors Suffering from Arthritis

While most people experience soreness and creaky joints from time to time, these pains can change from a seasonal nuisance to a more serious condition as you age called arthritis. If your senior loved one is suffering from this condition, then you will be happy to learn that there is help for arthritis pain. While the medical professionals at the various assisted living facilities in Surprise, AZ may offer some help, additional steps you can take are found here.

Find the Right Type of Exercise

Telltale symptoms of arthritis include tiredness, swelling, reduced flexibility and joint pain. While medication can be somewhat beneficial for these effects, the right types of exercise can also be helpful. Since fatigue can be a serious issue for seniors, it is recommended that all exercises are low-impact and include things such as light weight lifting, swimming, walking, stretching and yoga. There are many assisted living facilities in Surprise, AZ that offer these classes to residents.

Avoid Eating Certain Foods

Doctors have suggested that if your senior loved one suffers from arthritis pain, they should reduce their intake of alcohol, gluten, sugar and salt. All of these foods can lead to increased swelling, which will make arthritis symptoms and pain worse. While this can be challenging, you should be able to speak with the staff at the assisted living in Surprise, AZ facilities where your senior lives or moves into, to ensure these dietary restrictions are kept in mind.

When it comes to arthritis pain, there is no question that it can be debilitating. It can result in serious mobility issues and other problems. The good news is, there are steps you can take to help the pain and discomfort if this condition presents. There are also several new medications that can help ease the pain and loss of movement so speak with your physician about what medications would be appropriate as well as herbal products you may be considering taking as medications interact with each other so it is best to seek medical advice before starting anything new to ease the pain. Here is a list of several Herbal Products that have also been touted as helpful in treating Arthritis symptoms.

The below is information is from Arthritis.org and the Arthritis foundation

Research hasn't always kept pace with the popularity of supplements. But more natural medicines are being put to the test in well-designed clinical trials. Here are nine supplements that are backed by science and shown to be effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA) and arthritis-related conditions.

SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine)

How it works: SAM-e acts as an analgesic (pain reliever) and has anti-inflammatory properties. It may stimulate cartilage growth and also affects neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which reduce pain perception. Two studies have shown that it relieves OA symptoms as effectively as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with fewer side effects and more prolonged benefit.
Best for: osteoarthritis
Also used for: fibromyalgia

Boswellia Serrate (Indian frankincense)

How it works: The active components (Boswellic acids) have anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. It also may help prevent cartilage loss and inhibit the autoimmune process. In a 2008 study, the extract, also known as Loxin 5, significantly improved OA pain and function within seven days. An Indian study also revealed it slowed cartilage damage after three months of use. 
Best for: osteoarthritis

Capsaicin (Capsicum frutescens)

How it works: Capsaicin temporarily reduces substance P, a pain transmitter. Its pain-relieving properties have been shown in many studies, including a 2010 study published in Phytotherapy Research, which revealed a 50 percent reduction in joint pain after three weeks of use. It is available as a topical cream, gel or patch.
Best for: osteoarthritis
Also used for: rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia

Tumeric/Curcumin (Curcuma longa)

How it works: Curcumin is the chemical in turmeric that can reduce joint pain and swelling by blocking inflammatory cytokines and enzymes. A 2010 clinical trial using a turmeric supplement showed long-term improvement in pain and function in patients with knee OA. A small 2012 study using a curcumin product, BCM-95, showed more reduced joint pain and swelling in patients with active RA when compared to diclofenac sodium.
Best for: osteoarthritis
Also used for: rheumatoid arthritis

Avocado-soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU)

How it works: ASU blocks pro-inflammatory chemicals, prevents deterioration of synovial cells, which line joints, and may help regenerate normal connective tissue. A large three-year study published in 2013 showed that ASU significantly reduced progression of hip OA compared with placebo. A 2008 meta-analysis found that ASU improved symptoms of hip and knee OA, and reduced or eliminated NSAID use.
Best for: osteoarthritis

Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)

How it works: Cat’s claw is an anti-inflammatory that inhibits tumor necrosis factor (TNF), a target of powerful RA drugs. It also contains compounds that may benefit the immune system. A small 2002 trial showed it reduced joint pain and swelling by more than 50 percent compared with placebo. Look for a brand that is free of tetra-cyclic oxindole alkaloids.
Best for: rheumatoid arthritis

Fish Oil (Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA)

How it works: Omega-3s block inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins, and are converted by the body into powerful anti-inflammatory chemicals called resolvins. EPA and DHA have been extensively studied for RA and dozens of other inflammatory conditions. A 2010 meta-analysis found that fish oil significantly decreased joint tenderness and stiffness in RA patients and reduced or eliminated NSAID use.
Best for: rheumatoid arthritis
Also used for: osteoarthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome

Some other notable items:

• Aloe vera.

• Eucalyptus. ...

• Ginger.

• Green tea

• Thunder god vine.

Learn more about helping your senior live pain free or when it is time to look at assisted living options visit A Caring Hand for Mom and Dad website or call us at 800-881-7706.