Helping Seniors With Knee Pain

By Jessica Ott | November 21, 2023 |

Seniors frequently have knee discomfort and deal with a variety of knee issues as they age. These issues can seriously lower their quality of life, even causing them to withdraw from activities they once enjoyed. However, there are several strategies to assist seniors in managing knee pain, addressing typical knee issues, and investigating therapy choices to ease their discomfort. Loved ones and home care aides can help in this effort.

Home Care Littlestown PA – Helping Seniors With Knee Pain

Common Knee Issues That Seniors Have

There are many common knee issues that seniors deal with. The following are just a few.

Osteoarthritis: This is the most common knee condition among seniors. Osteoarthritis develops over time when the protective cartilage in the knee joint deteriorates, resulting in discomfort, stiffness, and restricted movement.

Bursitis: Bursitis is an inflammation of the bursae, the fluid-filled sacs that protect the knee joint. Bursitis is incredibly painful and uncomfortable for seniors, and the swelling it can cause slows their mobility.

Tendinitis: Tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendons surrounding the knee joint, frequently brought on by excessive use or constant strain.

Knee fractures: Seniors’ weakening bones make them more prone to fractures, including knee fractures.

Helping Seniors With Knee Pain

Loved ones and home care aides can help seniors with knee pain by using a few techniques. Not all techniques will work for each senior, so developing a customized plan is key.

Encourage low-impact exercises: Light activity, such as walking, cycling, or swimming, can improve knee strength and flexibility without putting too much stress on the joints.

Using assistive equipment: Seniors who need stability when walking or standing can benefit from the recommendation of assistive devices like canes, crutches, or walkers, which can lessen the weight-bearing pressure on their knees.

Weight management: Seniors with knee discomfort must maintain a healthy weight because carrying extra pounds strains the knee joints.

Hot and cold therapy: Putting hot or cold compresses on the injured knee can aid with pain relief and inflammation reduction. While cold therapy numbs the region and lessens swelling, heat therapy relaxes muscles.

Physical therapy: Seniors may benefit greatly from being referred to physical therapy. Physical therapists can create customized training regimens, offer pain relief methods, and give advice on good posture and movement. Once the plan is developed, home care aides can help seniors adopt a consistent routine.

Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation in the knee. Creams and ointments applied topically may also offer short-term relief. Any medication used should be cleared by a medical professional.

Injections: Corticosteroid injections can be used to treat knee joint discomfort and inflammation. Another approach to lubricate the joint and lessen friction is hyaluronic acid injections.

Bracing: Knee supports or braces can offer stability, lessen knee joint pressure, and relieve pain.

Surgery: Surgery may be required when other therapies fail to control serious conditions. Depending on the degree of knee damage, options include arthroscopy, partial knee replacement, or total knee replacement.

Seniors with knee pain should seek the advice of medical professionals, such as orthopedic doctors or physical therapists, to acquire precise diagnoses, individualized treatment programs, and pertinent counseling to effectively manage knee difficulties. With the help of loved ones and home care, they can work through their knee pain and be as good or almost as good as new.

Source: https://www.urgentlyorthoaz.com/blog/knee-pain-and-aging#:~:text=Chronic%20knee%20pain%20as%20you,more%20easily%20as%20you%20age.
https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/features/knee-pain-aging
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1753462/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/age-proof-your-knees

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