Seniors experience arthritis pain daily! Did you know that elderly rheumatoid arthritis affects between 10% and 30% of people who are aged 65 and above? It is therefore something that you should be concerned about, and you should start by knowing what its symptoms are as well as the risk factors. Rheumatoid arthritis most common symptom is painful joints – they become weak and unstable, which leads to pain that becomes worse over time. You may also start to develop cataracts, feel tired all the time and you will notice that your physical activity is reduced to a great extent.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Management Tips You Can Understand
There are some common risk factors for Rheumatoid arthritis. They include cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, obesity, fibromyalgia, and diabetes. All these are serious diseases bin themselves, but the sooner you are diagnosed the easier they are to treat and manage. In order to reduce your risk of Rheumatoid arthritis, there are certain steps that you can take. One of the most important is to watch your weight as you age. It is normal to fill out as you grow older but you should be careful that this doesn’t turn into obesity. When you are heavier than your optimal weight, you increase your risk of developing Rheumatoid arthritis because your bones are not able to comfortably support your body.
Get an Annual Checkup
You should also be on the lookout for symptoms of cardiovascular disease, as it can often lead to Rheumatoid arthritis. Unfortunately, there are no obvious symptoms for cardiovascular disease, and in many cases, the only way to know is to get a full checkup at least once a year.
Have Your Eyes Checked Once a Year
Although eye care isn’t included in your Medicare plan you should make sure that your eyes are checked at least once a year too. Your optometrist will be able to detect cataracts and deal with the problem effectively. If you are developing cataracts, you should see your doctor immediately to check whether you may also be developing Rheumatoid arthritis.
Invest in a Spa
Getting treatment early with Rheumatoid arthritis is important. You will be given medication that can help you manage the pain and reverse the symptoms. Make sure that you invest in a small home spa. Many people who suffer RA report that they experience relief every time they use a spa. Ensure that you get enough exercise too. Not only does it help you maintain a healthy weight, but you also keep your joints supple.
Thanks for reading this post on Rheumatoid Arthritis Management Tips For the Elderly. Check out our blog for more senior tips, and explore our YouTube channel.
