Affecting one in three adults, arthritis is the nation’s leading cause of disability. Either you or the person for whom you care – or both of you – may be experiencing symptoms. Today we will look at some of the treatments for osteoarthritis (OA).

The Arthritis Foundation encourages caregivers and their loved ones who are affected by OA to “seek more and do more” instead of surrendering to a sedentary lifestyle. In the past, doctors were apt to advise their arthritic patients not to exercise. Research has proven that guidance obsolete. Today, patients with OA are encouraged to participate in low-impact exercise under the supervision of their health care provider. The benefits are numerous: stiff joints loosen; muscles surrounding joints are strengthened; circulation, flexibility and range of motion improve; and bones and cartilage become stronger. All of these combine to provide increased strength to better perform activities of daily living – from getting dressed in the morning to opening a jar of real-fruit strawberry jam to spread on your whole wheat breakfast toast – that often become difficult for arthritis sufferers. Regular exercise also contributes to a more optimistic emotional state, and unless you overdo, there are no negative side effects. Ask your doctor to recommend the exercise plan that best suits your needs.  

Lack of exercise may allow the joints to deteriorate to the point that movement becomes difficult and very painful. Caregivers should remember to encourage their recepients to do as much as possible on their own. Sometimes it is tempting (and easier) to do tasks for them but this can lead to “excess disability” as their capabilities and self-esteem actually decline when they are not allowed to participate in their own care. Frequent changes of position are also beneficial.

Conversely, caregivers with arthritis must be aware of their own limitations and ask for assistance when needed. Learn the correct way to lift or carry, engaging your large muscles to prevent straining your joints. 

There are varying claims when it comes to nutrition and arthritis, but some research suggests consuming foods known to fight inflammation may help. These include foods containing omega-3 fatty acids and the spices ginger and turmeric. You may want to avoid foods that trigger inflammation such as polyunsaturated vegetable oils (corn and soy) and partially hydrogenated oils found in many margarines, vegetable shortenings and processed foods. 

Either cold or hot therapies can be beneficial to treat the pain of arthritis. Morning stiffness may be relieved by applying a heating pad (use caution) fifteen minutes before getting out of bed or taking a warm shower upon rising. A myriad of devices that can be applied to painful joints are available, including ones that can be microwaved to provide warmth or kept in the freezer to provide cold relief. Generally, these should be limited to fifteen minutes per use and you should have a doctor’s approval. 

In some situations, your doctor may recommend orthopedic braces or splints that allow a painful joint to rest. Topical medications are numerous (and some “don’t stink”!) and many people find them helpful for mild pain. Numerous ones are available over-the-counter. If these do not provide relief, you may want to talk to your doctor about a prescription strength cream, ointment or gel. 

Oral medications for arthritis are readily available – both over-the-counter and prescription – and the advertisements on television are numerous and directed right at you. Pain that is moderate or severe may warrant these drugs – but remember, there are possible side effects, including long-term ones, and you should thoroughly discuss your options with your doctor. 

I have just skimmed the surface of possible treatments for arthritis. I hope these thoughts will encourage those dealing with this leading cause of disability among seniors to pursue ways to manage the symptoms, rather than just accepting them as an inevitable result of growing older.