Facts to Know On World Arthritis Day

By Jessica Ott | October 6, 2021 |

Over 91 million adults are diagnosed with arthritis or experience arthritis symptoms. October 12th is World Arthritis Day. Take time to learn more about arthritis and the different diseases that are some of the more prevalent types of arthritis. Share what you learn with your senior’s home care assistance provider.

Here are some facts for you to know and share with your senior’s home care assistance aides to better understand this disease.

More Than 100 Types of Arthritis Exist

Home Care Assistance McSherrystown PA – Facts to Know On World Arthritis Day

While there are more than 100 types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common. It’s caused by the cartilage in a joint wearing out so that bone ends up rubbing on the other bone. Ankylosing spondylitis, gout, juvenile arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma round out the most common forms.

Adults Younger Than 65 Account for 64 Percent of Doctor-Diagnosed Cases of Arthritis

Arthritis isn’t a disease that only affects older adults. Younger adults can have it too. People who use their joints a lot, such as athletes, often end up dealing with osteoarthritis. Almost 300,000 children have juvenile arthritis.

More Women Have Arthritis Than Men

Women are more likely to develop arthritis than men are. It’s estimated that 26 percent of women develop arthritis in their lifetime, while 19 percent of men do.

Osteoarthritis Is One of the World’s Leading Disabilities

Over 30 million adults have osteoarthritis. That’s only an estimate, as many people don’t talk to their doctor about the pain until it’s excruciating. It’s the world’s leading disability and can limit a person’s mobility, making it hard to stand for long periods.

The Risk of Developing Osteoarthritis is Highest in the Knees and Hands

Osteoarthritis is most likely to hit the hands and knees. Approximately 14 million arthritis sufferers have osteoarthritis in the knees. Around half of those people qualify for knee replacement surgeries. It’s also estimated that 40 percent of people will develop hand osteoarthritis by the age of 85.

People With Arthritis Are More Likely to Become Depressed

When the pain limits daily routines, patients may find themselves becoming depressed. Around 12 percent of osteoarthritis patients end up diagnosed with depression. The pain can make it hard to engage in activities with others or maintain preferred activities that require standing for long periods or using hands repeatedly.

Sixty-Five Percent of Arthritis Patients Treat it With NSAID Medications

NSAID pain relievers like Advil or Aleve are the most common treatment for arthritis. Over 6 out of 10 arthritis sufferers use these pain relievers regularly to treat the pain and inflammation.

Have Home Care Assistance Services Step in

Don’t let arthritis pain keep your parents from their usual activities. They can have home care assistance services help them with some of the more challenging activities like vacuuming stairs. For fun activities like walking around their gardens, a caregiver offers support to prevent a fall. Call our home care assistance specialist to make arrangements.

Sources: https://www.eular.org/world_arthritis_day.cfm
https://www.arthritis.org/getmedia/e1256607-fa87-4593-aa8a-8db4f291072a/2019-abtn-final-march-2019.pdf

If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Assistance Services in McSherrystown 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.

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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.