Many older adults suffer from arthritis. The term arthritis means “joint inflammation.” It’s a painful condition that can make daily life difficult for seniors. Although most people are familiar with arthritis and may think they understand the condition, it’s not really as simple as you may think.
Below are eight arthritis facts that you might find surprising.
#1 Arthritis is Many Diseases
Arthritis is an umbrella term that refers to a whole group of conditions. According to the Arthritis Foundation, there are more than 100 different kinds of arthritis. Approximately one in five Americans have been diagnosed with arthritis.
#2 Arthritis Rates are Rising
About 50 million people in the United States have arthritis today. As the population ages, the number of arthritis cases is expected to rise. Experts project that by 2040, the number of people with arthritis will reach 78.4 million, an increase of 49 percent.
#3 Arthritis is the Number One Cause of Disability in the U.S.
43 percent of people with arthritis experience limitations in performing daily activities because of their condition. 25 percent of people with arthritis report severe joint pain. Incidences of severe pain occur more often in women and those with comorbidities, like heart disease or diabetes.
#4 Obesity Affects Arthritis
Obesity is common among people with arthritis. People with arthritis who are also obese are more likely to experience limitations in their ability to work. They are usually less physical active and experience higher rates of depression. They are also more likely to require knee replacement surgery.
#5 Injury Makes Arthritis More Likely
If your aging family member has had a joint injury in the past, they are more likely to develop osteoarthritis (OA) in that joint. In fact, people who have knee injuries as young adults are six times more likely to get OA in that joint by the time they turn 65. A hip injury puts a person at a 3 times higher risk for OA.
#6 Arthritis is a Costly Condition
Joint pain may not sound like a problem that costs much money. However, in 2011 people in the U.S. spent a collective $116.1 billion on arthritis treatment. In 2010, 100 million outpatient doctor visits were due to arthritis. In 2011, 6.7 million hospital visits were attributed to arthritis.
#7 Arthritis Has No Cure
With the exception of some kinds of inflammatory arthritis that are caused by infections treatable with antibiotics, there is no cure for arthritis. However, early care and treatment for arthritis symptoms can improve the outcome of treatment.
#8 Senior Care Can Help Older Adults with Arthritis
For older adults with arthritis, having a home health care provider can make life easier. Home health care providers can help with the many things that are difficult with arthritis pain. For example, if your aging family member has arthritic hands that make fastening clothing difficult, a home health care provider can help them dress. Or, if an arthritic shoulder makes carrying groceries or laundry painful, a senior care provider can do the heavy lifting. Home health care providers can also help older adults walk safely and get up from chairs or beds.
Sources: https://www.verywell.com/arthritis-4014761
https://www.arthritis.org/Documents/Sections/About-Arthritis/arthritis-facts-stats-figures.pdf
http://www.healthcentral.com/slideshow/10-surprising-facts-about-arthritis#slide=1
http://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/what-is-arthritis.php
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Health Care Services in Needham MA, or anywhere in Eastern Massachusetts, please call the caring staff at CARE Resolutions – (508) 906-5572.
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