With age comes different Elderly health complications. Arthritis is one of the most common conditions that is faced by millions of seniors worldwide.
There are several reasons behind arthritis, such as changes in lifestyle, physical activity, and even genetics and age. But, the good news is, there are countless ways how arthritis can be managed in the elderly, as stated by elderly companionship services in the U.K.
In this article, we are going to tell you about natural treatment options you can use at home to manage arthritis in the elderly, including numerous types of exercises, nutrition, and more:
Aerobics
Aerobic and endurance exercises can help a senior improve his/her cardiovascular health and well-being. The best part is, low-impact endurance exercises are comparatively easier on the joints and muscles. Which is why they are an ideal way of managing arthritis in seniors.
Water aerobics
For years and years, water aerobics has been prescribed by doctors. And professionals to individuals with arthritis, as it is not only an effective option to manage this condition. But is also a safe treatment with no such side effects.
Water aerobics is a great way of managing arthritis in seniors, as well as alleviating the pain and discomfort caused by arthritis. Because arthritis limits the range of motion in individuals, movements during water aerobics help loosen up the thigh and stressed muscles and tissues. This, in turn, improves the range of motion, as well as flexibility in individuals.
Moreover, water aerobics, as well as swimming, promotes blood circulation around the body, and also reduces stiffness that is caused by arthritis. Thus, this buoyancy of water drastically reduces the impact on the individual’s joints, which may make arthritis worse.
Strengthening exercises
Strengthening exercises are great for building stronger muscles, as well as protecting the joints. Stronger muscles are necessary for keeping the weak joints in seniors more stable and protecting them from severe damage as well.
When seniors sign up for physical therapy in order to treat arthriti. Different forms of strength exercises will be prescribed to them to target specific muscle groups in order to manage and treat arthritis.
Stretching
Stretching exercises are another way of managing arthritis in seniors. It helps in improving joint flexibility, as well as reducing stiffness and pain that might be caused by arthritis.
Stretching is also essential for eliminating pain and discomfort caused by arthritis and enhancing the range of motion in seniors.
However, it is always a good idea for professionals to incorporate the best stretch exercises for seniors, as they can help target specific muscles to manage arthritis better.
Reduce weight
The more extra weight an individual is going to carry, the more stress the joints of an individual are going to take. This can make the symptoms of arthritis much worse than they are before. And can also cause more damage to the joints and muscles that are already inflamed.
Therefore, this is why reducing some extra weight (if any) is essential for managing arthritis. Seniors can manage their weight in a variety of ways, as discussed above, with the help of various exercises.
Manage stress
Most individuals don’t know the link between stress and arthritis. When an individual is stressed, the body promotes the release of cortisol, which triggers flare-ups and makes the symptoms of arthritis even worse.
This is why seniors, especially those suffering from arthritis, should manage their stress in order to manage arthritis. This can be done in various ways, such as staying active. Meditating, engaging in extracurricular activities, and so on.
Maintain good nutritional habits
Seniors should incorporate specific foods that are good in treating and managing arthritis in their diet. For instance, fish, such as salmon, tuna, and sardines, are ideal for alleviating joint pain and stiffness, as well as inflammation.
This is why numerous doctors prescribe fish oil to patients suffering from arthritis. As it drastically helps reduce the symptoms of this condition.
There are numerous nuts and seeds that have anti-inflammatory properties. And are ideal for patients with arthritis, some of which are almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts.
Other fruits and vegetables that arthritis patients must incorporate in their diets include dark-green leafy plants, such as spinach, as well as broccoli, brussels sprouts. Kale, Swiss chard, ginger, berries, apples, pomegranates, watermelon, grapes, and tart cherries.
Stay away from foods that make arthritis worse
Added sugars can make arthritis worse in seniors, which is why they should limit sugar in their diet. Seniors should also steer clear of processed foods, such as frozen foods, breakfast bakery items, and so on.
Besides that, excessive alcohol consumption is also associated with an increased risk of osteoarthritis. Which is why seniors suffering from arthritis should stay away from any kind of alcohol.
Other common foods that arthritis patients should stay away from include high sodium foods. Foods with high AGEs (Advanced glycation end products), fried foods, and red meat.
