Seniors and Knee Pain
It can limit what seniors do each day. The throbbing or aching, can make them just want to sit and home and go nowhere. Osteoarthritis, especially in the knees, is the most common cause of disability in older adults. A study from the National Institutes of Health showed that 25 percent of those just age 55 and over have persistent episodes of knee pain. Whether it is because of an injury or arthritis, swelling, wear and tear and or the pain of bone on bone, it can be unbearable. While sometimes nothing short of knee surgery can help, here are some suggestions for seniors and temporary solutions as they deal with knee pain.
Visit Your Doctor
The first thing to do if seniors are experiencing knee pain is to visit their medical provider. He or she can help you find the actual cause of your pain, and let you know if it is arthritis, or something more serious such as a tear. They may use an x-ray, CT scan, ultrasound, MRI or even blood tests to help figure out what is going on. Depending on what they find, they may prescribe therapy or medications to help. Sometimes it is the way your body moves that is leading to the pain, and in that case they can recommend arch supports or even physical therapy. Often they might even suggest surgery. There are less serious options, however, especially as you begin to feel knee pain. And for those who want to live with it and manage it, instead of turning to surgery, there are suggestions.
Walk It Off
While you can’t exactly walk off knee pain, some experts say that exercise and movement in the area can actually help if consistent. Walking can help strengthen the muscles around the knee, according to the Mayo Clinic, as long as knee pain isn’t causing a limp or changes in the way a person walks. To help strengthen those muscles, make a plan to take a walk each day. Head to the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge, where there are several different walking trails, to see the animals and natural vegetation. Or head to the Trinity Trails downtown Fort Worth to walk along the scenic trails and tributaries of the Trinity River.
Beyond the Pavement
For some, walking can worsen the situation, especially on concrete. There are other more tolerable exercises for people with knee pain to keep them active. For example, swimming or even walking in a pool can help. Others find that an elliptical is more tolerable. Yoga and stretching exercises also can help seniors stay limber and not have too much pain. It is up to the individual to see what they can tolerate as they try to still include movement and exercise in their daily routine amid knee pain. If you are exercising, some experts recommend using a compression bandage that is lightweight and breathable to help support the knee without being too tight that it restricts circulation.
Hot and Cold and In between
If you are particularly active one day and your pain is flaring up, experts say ice can help. At most, they say, use the ice for 20 minutes at a time to prevent any damage to nerves and skin. Others feel that heat can help. After exercise or even if you are just sitting around, try to elevate the knee to reduce swelling. If you prop it up on a pillow or sit in a recliner, it can help.
Take It Easy
While exercise is great for the body and overall health, sometimes if the pain is just too unbearable, we need to sit it out. You can take a break from your daily walk to let your knee recover and help the swelling go down. Judge what is best for your body.
Get Some Help
Professional caregivers can help seniors suffering from knee pain. They can help them get up and down. They can be there as an arm to hold on to during a walk. They even can bring them to a doctor’s appointment for a cortisone injection.
Maybe It Will Work?
There are countless old wives tales or alternative remedies for what remedies might take away knee and arthritis pain. Doctors often say while they can’t 100 percent say it will work, that different people swear by different remedies. Some love acupuncture for knee pain. Others say turmeric helps. And others even say that soaking yellow raisins in gin for two weeks, and then eating nine of those raising a day, will give you some relief.
Do what works best for you.
We Are Here to Help
The professional caregivers at Visiting Angels Fort Worth can help seniors facing knee pain and other issues..Our compassionate caregivers understand the struggles that aging can bring, and are there to help senior citizens live meaningful, independent lives as their world changes. Our home care team members can help with a variety of services, including bringing seniors to appointments, providing companion care and helping with personal care. We also offer fall prevention help, respite care and more, all of which are tailored just for the needs of your seniors and you.
Visiting Angels serve seniors in the Fort Worth area, including Aleda, Annetta, Annetta N, Annetta S, Willow Park, Lakeside, White Settlement, Benbrook, River Oaks and Westworth Village. We can come to your home, find out what needs you have, and develop a care plan tailored to your needs. Reach out online or call us at (817) 877-1616 for more information.
If you are interested in caring for senior clients in the community, visit us online to find out more about a career in home care.