People with osteoarthritis usually get this type of arthritis in joints that were injured previously. The cartilage tends to break down and make moving much more difficult and painful. There can also be swelling in and around those joints, which complicates everything even more.
Using Utensils and Tools May Be Difficult
Many people with osteoarthritis experience pain and loss of strength in their hands in particular. This can lead to a lack of dexterity, too. Your elderly family member might have trouble using forks and other utensils that she’s had no problem handling before. It can also become much more difficult to use simple tools, like manual can openers, or to open even previously opened jars. This can be frustrating on a daily basis.
Walking and Balance May Be Compromised
Osteoarthritis in your senior’s back or in her lower body may make walking incredibly difficult. She may even find that her balance is off because of pain and because of compensating for joints that aren’t working as well. Many people in this position find that they stop moving as often, which just makes the situation far worse and causes even bigger mobility issues.
Sleep Can Be Disrupted
Pain isn’t just something that your elderly family member deals with during the day, though. Osteoarthritis pain can haunt your senior at night, too, making it difficult for her to find a comfortable position at night. The pain may even keep her awake at night, which leads to worsening health and fatigue during the day.
Sitting or Lying in One Position Can Cause Her to Stiffen
Your senior may be restless at night and during the day and staying in one position too long can make it difficult for her to move at all. She can feel as if her joints freeze up and resist moving. This is part of why moving more during the day as much as possible is a good idea for people with osteoarthritis. Exercising even a little bit can help to keep those joints lubricated and moving easier.
Osteoarthritis is a difficult condition to manage because it can have such a significant impact on your senior’s ability to do things for herself. If she’s dealing with severe osteoarthritis, it is a good idea to hire elderly care providers to help her. They can ensure that she’s safe and that she has the assistance she needs when she needs it.