What is It Like to Have RA?

By Jessica Ott | November 12, 2018 |

Elder Care in Hanover PA: Do You Know About RA?

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an inflammatory disease that has no cure. Because it is a kind of arthritis, many people think it affects only the joints. However, it can affect much more. RA may damage various parts of the body, including eyes, heart, lungs, skin, and blood vessels. RA is different from osteoarthritis in that it isn’t caused by wear and tear. Instead, it is an autoimmune disease, which means that the immune system attacks healthy tissues by mistake. If you’re a family caregiver to an older adult with RA, understanding their symptoms and what it feels like to have the disease can be useful in better managing the condition.

What Joints Does RA Affect?

Most of the time, RA begins in a person’s hands. However, it can affect other joints in the body as well. Seniors might experience symptoms in their:

Knees.
Elbows.
Feet.
Hips.
Jaw.
Shoulders.
Wrists.
Neck.

What Are the Joint Symptoms?

The joint symptoms of RA typically occur on both sides of the body. So, if an older adult has symptoms in one knee, they’ll probably have symptoms in the other knee as well. Joint symptoms include:

Stiffness: The joint may not move as easily as it should, causing a feeling of stiffness. This symptom happens the most in the morning. It can take an hour or more after getting up for the stiff to start moving easily again.
Swelling: Fluid may accumulate in the joint, making swell and feel sore.
Pain: The inflammation caused by RA can make joints hurt even when they are not in use.
Heat and Redness: RA inflammation can make joints feel warm to the touch. The skin around the joints may also look red.

What Other Symptoms Are There?

In addition to joint problems, RA also causes symptoms that affect much more than joints. Some other symptoms of RA are:

Fatigue.
Aching muscles.
Lack of appetite.
A general feeling of unwellness.
Depression.

RA can also cause nodules to form under the skin of some people. Nodules are bumps that don’t hurt and move easily when manipulated They usually happen on the elbows but can occur on other boney parts of the body, like the back of the head.

If your aging relative has RA, elderly care can be an important part of managing the disease and improving their quality of life. Elderly care providers can allow the senior to rest when they are feeling fatigued by taking care of household tasks, like dusting, vacuuming, and doing laundry. Elderly care can also remind the older adult to take their medication, which will help to manage symptoms.

If you or an aging loved one are considering in-home elderly care in Hanover, PA, please talk to us. Our friendly staff can answer all of your questions. In-home Senior Care in Adams and York Counties, PA. Call Today: (717) 698-8258

Sources

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323609.php

https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/rheumatoid-arthritis-symptoms#1

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353648

Author
Recent Posts

Jessica Ott

Owner at A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC

Jessica Ott is the Owner at A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC.

A Helping Hand Home Care Services, LLC is dedicated to providing our clients with a better quality of life through our support services while maintaining their independence in the comfort of their own home.

As a Home Care Agency licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, we can provide families with peace of mind, knowing their loved one is in good hands.

We will work with you to prepare a care plan that incorporates your needs, your wishes, and your preferred schedule. Each client is matched with a caregiver who can best meet their individual needs, whether they reside in a house, apartment, condominium, assisted living, or nursing community.