September is Arthritis Awareness Month. Arthritis is a common condition; but very few truly know and understand what it’s all about. Accredited Home Care wants to show you how arthritis can affect everyday life.

Defining Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that typically causes pain and discomfort, commonly in the joint areas. There are over 100 types of arthritis. The term arthritis encompasses any health disorder or disease that causes the pain, swelling or discomfort typically associated with the term.

Arthritis Awareness Statistics

• Disability – Arthritis is the number 1 cause of “disability” in the U.S.
• Age – Arthritis can affect people of all ages. Children, adults, and seniors can all get arthritis.
• Sex – It is more common among women than men.
• Adults – There are over 50 million adults[1] who have arthritis.
• Children – An estimated 300,000 children[2] are affected with arthritis.
• Permanent Damage – Arthritis can cause permanent joint damage.
• Pain – Pain intensity varies according to the type of arthritis, the location, and the severity of the disease. Pain can also increase through time.
• Osteoarthritis – The most common type of arthritis is Osteoarthritis, affecting 27 million Americans. It is also referred to as “wear & tear arthritis” and breakdown of the cartilage in the joints is common. It is most common in those age 60+.

Symptoms

Symptoms of arthritis can differ among those diagnosed; specific to the type of arthritis you have. However some symptoms are typical for most. These include:

• Stiffness
• Aching after excessive use/movement
• Decreased Range of Motion
• Swelling
• Pain
• Aching after lack of movement

Caregiving for People with Arthritis

• Daily Activities of Life – Help can be especially beneficial for daily live tasks. Caregivers for arthritis patients helps make daily tasks less taxing on the body.
• Treating Symptoms – Caregivers can help put lotions and creams on the areas to help relieve pain. Over the counter treatments should be discussed with your doctor to determine what works best for you and how often you should use them. (Some OTC pain relieving therapies that seem to work for many include a natural pain relieving gel called Sombra warm therapy; Aspercreme, Absorbine Jr. and many other types of soothing gels and creams.)
• Modifications – You can make modifications to your home that will allow movement to be easier and cause minimal pain. These modifications could include:
  • Raised toilet seat
  • Shower chairs
  • Grab bars to take load baring weight when moving
  • Chairs that can raise up to help you sit and stand from the chair
  • Reach Extenders (here’s an inexpensive version)

There are a number of unique products offered by The Arthritis Supplies Company also. Their products are created with an increased arthritis awareness that focuses on making daily tasks easier.

PLEASE NOTE: Clicking on the link to Arthritis Supplies will take you off of our page to another website. We do not personally endorse the company or its products & provide the link to help you find products that may be useful.

Contact Us for Assistance

Our team of in-home caregivers can offer help in a number of ways that can benefit anyone who suffers from the pains of arthritis. You can contact us today to find out how we can be a beneficial addition to bringing arthritis awareness to your friends and family by helping to serve your needs.

[1] The Arthritis Foundation, “What is Arthritis?”

[2] The Arthritis Foundation, “What is Arthritis?”

Photo1 by Harry Thomas Photography

Photo2 by handarmdoc