Managing Arthritis Pain


Living with arthritis can be difficult for seniors, especially for those who are used to a more active way of life. While certainly a painful condition, there are a variety of ways home care providers can help seniors manage and reduce the discomfort caused by arthritis, and it starts with making changes to their lifestyle.

Exercise may be the last thing on the mind of the millions of seniors living with arthritis, but it is actually one of the most beneficial treatments for the debilitating condition. Weight gain and inactivity can exacerbate one of the root causes of arthritis – the deterioration of cartilage in the joints. Low-impact activities such as walking or water-based exercise are best, and experts recommend aiming for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day.

Of course, meal preparation can also play a role in helping seniors fight arthritis. For instance, foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and walnuts, can reduce the inflammation commonly caused by the condition. In a similar vein, antioxidants such as vitamin C and carotenes are important as well, so senior diets should be full of fruits and vegetables such as oranges, broccoli and spinach.