There are several health conditions that tend to become more common as we age, and one good example here is arthritis. And because May is National Arthritis Awareness Month, this is an excellent time to highlight this condition — and particularly how it relates to seniors and older adults, and the higher risks they may face here.

At Cozy Retire, we’re happy to offer numerous caring services to guests of our assisted living communities in Kaysville and nearby areas, including wide-ranging healthcare services for every one of our guests. Whether you’re a senior, a caregiver or a loved one, what are some of the possible signs of arthritis that should be considered if they’re seen? Here are a few to keep in mind as you look to be more aware of this condition.

What is Arthritis?

First and foremost, some simple definitions for anyone who may be a bit confused: Arthritis is a condition that can affect people of all ages, and it’s marked by symptoms like joint pain and stiffness. It’s actually quite common, with more than 50 million adults in the United States having been diagnosed with some form of arthritis. It can make everyday activities quite difficult, including brushing your teeth, opening a jar or even taking a walk.

Signs of possible arthritis in seniors can often be split based on two separate types of arthritis, which is what we’ll do in our next couple sections.

Osteoarthritis

The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which is caused by the deterioration of cartilage around the joints. This leads to inflammation, pain and stiffness in and around those joints. It often affects seniors’ hands, hips or knees — although it can really affect any joint in the body.

Some signs of osteoarthritis include:

• Joint stiffness: This is usually worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
• Joint pain: This can range from mild to severe, and might be felt when moving the affected joint or even at rest.
• Joint swelling: This can happen on one or both sides of the body, and might be accompanied by warmth around the area.
• Rang of motion issues
• Bone spurs
• Popping or cracking sounds, or possibly a grating feeling, when the joint is moved

Rheumatoid Arthritis

While not as common as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is another form of the condition that’s seen in seniors. It’s an inflammatory disorder that actually attacks the body’s own tissues, particularly around the joints.

Some signs of rheumatoid arthritis include:

• Fatigue
• Fever
• Joint stiffness, typically felt most strongly in the mornings or after inactivity
• Swelling
• Loss of appetite
• Tender, warm joints

If you notice any of these signs in yourself or a senior loved one, especially if multiple such signs are present at once, it’s definitely worth considering a trip to the doctor. Arthritis can be quite painful and debilitating, but there are treatments available that can help make life more comfortable.

At Cozy Retire, our on-site medical staff is always happy to help with any health concerns or questions you might have. Contact us today to learn more about our programs for Kaysville and nearby residents, and how we help our guests stay healthy and identify any issues quickly.