Arthritis occurs when inflammation develops in the joints, leading to pain and swelling. It can affect any joint in the body, but as people age, it often grows in larger joints that support body weight and enable movement. The knee joints are one of the most common areas affected by arthritis, particularly in individuals over 50, and the resulting pain can sometimes interfere with everyday activities, making home care services a crucial consideration for managing symptoms and maintaining mobility.
Knee arthritis can be classified as either inflammatory or degenerative. Degenerative arthritis is often associated with conditions like osteoarthritis, where cartilage gradually wears away, resulting in inflammation as the bones rub together. Inflammatory arthritis, on the other hand, begins with joint inflammation that ultimately leads to cartilage breakdown.
Regardless of the type, symptoms tend to look very similar, and proper management—often including home care—can help improve quality of life.
Symptoms of Arthritis in the Knee(s)
Your loved one may have symptoms in one knee or both.
- He may have trouble walking or develop a new gait to his walk as he tries to reduce the pain of walking.
- He might talk about joint pain that seems to worsen in certain weather conditions.
- You might hear his knee make noises such as clicking, creaking, or grinding when he moves it.
- He might notice his knee joints lock up or become stiff easily.
- His knee(s) may become swollen.
- The skin around his knee might become warm and discolored.
Knee Arthritis Risk Factors
While anyone can develop arthritis in their knees, this condition often affects the elderly and may require additional support, such as home care services. Years of use, along with certain lifestyle choices or other health conditions, can increase the risk of your loved one experiencing knee pain as she ages.
Home care services can help manage symptoms and provide assistance to improve comfort and mobility.
- Being over the age of 50.
- Having obesity or carrying extra weight.
- Having a job or hobby that keeps her feet a lot or puts extra strain on her knees.
- Having a history of knee injuries, either because of sports injuries or an accident.
- Having a family history of autoimmune diseases.
Living with Knee Arthritis
If your loved one develops arthritis in her knees, her doctors will work with her to help her manage the pain levels and reduce the amount of swelling that increases her pain and causes a loss of mobility. Some changes they may recommend include lifestyle adjustments to help her maintain better overall health, as well as avoid actions that exacerbate the pain in her knees.
They may prescribe or recommend pain relievers for those tough days. Eventually, if lifestyle changes don’t present enough relief for her, knee surgery may be an option her doctors can help her consider.
In addition to making healthy changes as needed, your loved one may appreciate having a home care provider assist her with household chores that have become too difficult for her to manage on her own. Home care providers can be especially helpful if your loved one lives in a multi-story home that requires frequent stair climbing.
With arthritis in the knees, carrying up laundry from the basement can be not only painful but also dangerous. A home care provider can help with chores like these so your loved one can continue to live in her home without fear of hurting herself.
If you or an aging loved one is considering hiring Home Care in Modesto, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.
Call (866)-940-4855
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