Our bodies change as we age, and some of those changes might cause pain or discomfort in places like the knees and hips. This can make daily tasks difficult for seniors and have a substantial negative impact on their quality of life. To control and lessen chronic discomfort, however, a variety of techniques and therapies are available, encouraging an active and satisfying lifestyle. With the help of senior home care, they can incorporate some practical strategies to assist them with knee and hip discomfort.
What Causes Pain in the Knee and Hip Areas?
Beyond normal aging issues, seniors may experience knee and hip discomfort due to a number of conditions, such as:
- Osteoarthritis: This condition is caused by the degeneration of the cartilage that cushions the joints.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an inflammatory autoimmune disease affecting the joints.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, which are tiny fluid-filled sacs that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles, is known as bursitis.
- Tendinitis: Overuse-related inflammation of the tendons.
- Past Injuries: Chronic pain can occasionally recur as a result of prior injuries.
Using Physical therapy and Exercise to Ease the Pain
It is essential to engage in regular physical activity to preserve joint health and mobility. Exercises specifically designed for the knee and hip joints help strengthen the surrounding muscles, improving support and lowering pain. Senior home care can encourage seniors to try a few of the activities below to see how they help curb the pain:
- Low-impact Aerobics: Exercises that don’t overly stress the joints, such as walking, cycling, and swimming, are better for seniors with knee and hip pain.
- Strength Training: Increasing the strength of the muscles surrounding the joints can aid with pain management and stability. Seniors should concentrate on workouts that work their glutes, hamstrings, and quads.
- Exercises for Flexibility: Yoga and stretches help increase range of motion, decrease stiffness, and promote flexibility.
Weight Management Can Also Reduce Pain
It’s crucial to maintain a healthy weight in order to lessen the strain on the hip and knee joints. Losing even a modest amount of weight can alleviate a great deal of pressure on these joints, resulting in less pain and better function. Seniors should avoid consuming too many calories and instead strive for a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. With senior home care by their side, they can work on healthy meal planning and even try new, healthier foods.
Techniques for Pain Management
There are several ways to treat pain, from prescription medications to complementary therapies. It is a good idea for seniors to talk with the medical team before starting any of these techniques.
- Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen, two over-the-counter pain medicines, can help control mild to moderate discomfort. If the pain is more than that, a doctor might approve something stronger.
- Injections: Injections of corticosteroids can reduce joint inflammation and offer brief relief. Additionally, injections of hyaluronic acid have the ability to lubricate the joints, offering longer-lasting comfort.
- Heat and Cold Therapy: While using cold packs can numb the discomfort and reduce inflammation, applying heat can help relax muscles and promote blood flow.
- Topical Treatments: Seniors can use creams and gels with painkilling chemicals directly on the area that hurts.
Seniors frequently struggle with knee and hip discomfort, but it doesn’t have to lower their quality of life. With the support of their medical team and senior home care, they can effectively manage their pain and retain an active, meaningful lifestyle.
Sources:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1555415518308912
https://www.ocanamedicalcenter.com/how-to-manage-hip-pain-in-seniors
https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-q-and-a-managing-osteoarthritis-for-hips-and-knees/
The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior home care in Hoschton, GA, and the surrounding areas. Call (770) 965-4004 for more information.
We provide elder care in Braselton, Buford, Dacula, Duluth, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Johns Creek, Lawrenceville, Oakwood, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Barrow County, Forsyth County, Gwinnett County, Hall County, Jackson County, North Fulton County.
Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”
Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”
You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).
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