Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis among older people, and it is one of the most frequent causes of physical disability among older adults.
The disease affects both men and women. Before age 45, osteoarthritis is more common in men than in women. After age 45, osteoarthritis is more common in women.
Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage, the tissue that cushions the ends of the bones within the joints, breaks down and wears away. In some cases, all of the cartilage may wear away, leaving bones that rub up against each other.
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis
Symptoms range from stiffness and mild pain that comes and goes to severe joint pain. Common signs include joint pain, swelling, and tenderness; stiffness after getting out of bed; and a crunching feeling or sound of bone rubbing on bone. Not everyone with osteoarthritis feels pain.
Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the hands, lower back, neck, and weight-bearing joints such as knees, hips, and feet. Osteoarthritis affects just joints, not internal organs.
Hands
Osteoarthritis of the hands seems to run in families. If your mother or grandmother has or had osteoarthritis in their hands, you’re at greater-than-average risk of having it, too. Women are more likely than men to have osteoarthritis in the hands. For most women, it develops after menopause.
When osteoarthritis involves the hands, small, bony knobs may appear on the end joints (those closest to the nails) of the fingers. They are called Heberden’s (HEBerr-denz) nodes. Similar knobs, called Bouchard’s (boo-SHARDZ) nodes, can appear on the middle joints of the fingers. Fingers can become enlarged and gnarled, and they may ache or be stiff and numb. The base of the thumb joint also is commonly affected by osteoarthritis.
Knees
The knees are among the joints most commonly affected by osteoarthritis. Symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include stiffness, swelling, and pain, which make it hard to walk, climb, and get in and out of chairs and bathtubs. Osteoarthritis in the knees can lead to disability.
Hips
The hips are also common sites of osteoarthritis. As with knee osteoarthritis, symptoms of hip osteoarthritis include pain and stiffness of the joint itself. But sometimes pain is felt in the groin, inner thigh, buttocks, or even the knees. Osteoarthritis of the hip may limit moving and bending, making daily activities such as dressing and putting on shoes a challenge.
Spine
Osteoarthritis of the spine may show up as stiffness and pain in the neck or lower back. In some cases, arthritis-related changes in the spine can cause pressure on the nerves where they exit the spinal column, resulting in weakness, tingling, or numbness of the arms and legs. In severe cases, this can even affect bladder and bowel function.
Causes and Risk Factors of Osteoarthritis
Researchers suspect that osteoarthritis is caused by a combination of factors in the body and the environment. The chance of developing osteoarthritis increases with age.
Putting too much stress on a joint that has been previously injured, improper alignment of joints, and excess weight all may contribute to the development of osteoarthritis.
Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis
To make a diagnosis of osteoarthritis, most doctors use a combination of methods and tests, including a medical history, a physical examination, x-rays, and laboratory tests.
Treatment Goals: Manage Pain and Improve Function
Osteoarthritis treatment plans often include exercise, rest and joint care, pain relief, weight control, medicines, surgery, and complementary treatment approaches. Current treatments for osteoarthritis can relieve symptoms such as pain and disability, but there are no treatments that can cure the condition.
Although health care professionals can prescribe or recommend treatments to help you manage your arthritis, the real key to living well with the disease is you. Research shows that people with osteoarthritis who take part in their own care report less pain and make fewer doctor visits. They also enjoy a better quality of life.
Learn more about treatments for osteoarthritis from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a disease that weakens bones to the point where they break easily—most often, bones in the hip, backbone (spine), and wrist. Osteoporosis is called a “silent disease” because you may not notice any changes until a bone breaks. All the while, though, your bones had been losing strength for many years.
Bone is living tissue. To keep bones strong, your body breaks down old bone and replaces it with new bone tissue. Sometime around age 30, bone mass stops increasing, and the goal for bone health is to keep as much bone as possible for as long as you can. As people enter their 40s and 50s, more bone may be broken down than is replaced.
A close look at the inside of bone shows something like a honeycomb. When you have osteoporosis, the spaces in this honeycomb grow larger, and the bone that forms the honeycomb gets smaller. The outer shell of your bones also gets thinner. All of this makes your bones weaker.
Who Has Osteoporosis? Risk Factors and Causes
Although osteoporosis can strike at any age, it is most common among older people, especially older women. Men also have this disease. White and Asian women are most likely to have osteoporosis. Other women at great risk include those who:
• Have a family history of broken bones or osteoporosis
• Have broken a bone after age 50
• Had surgery to remove their ovaries before their periods stopped
• Had early menopause
• Have not gotten enough calcium and/or vitamin D throughout their lives
• Had extended bed rest or were physically inactive
• Smoke (smokers may absorb less calcium from their diets)
• Take certain medications, including medicines for arthritis and asthma and some cancer drugs
• Used certain medicines for a long time
• Have a small body frame
The risk of osteoporosis grows as you get older. At the time of menopause, women may lose bone quickly for several years. After that, the loss slows down but continues. In men, the loss of bone mass is slower. But, by age 65 or 70, men and women are losing bone at the same rate.
What Is Osteopenia?
Whether your doctor calls it osteopenia or low bone mass, consider it a warning. Bone loss has started, but you can still take action to keep your bones strong and maybe prevent osteoporosis later in life. That way you will be less likely to break a wrist, hip, or vertebrae (bone in your spine) when you are older.
Can My Bones Be Tested?
For some people, the first sign of osteoporosis is to realize they are getting shorter or to break a bone easily. Don’t wait until that happens to see if you have osteoporosis. You can have a bone density test to find out how strong your bones are.
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that women aged 65 and older be screened (tested) for osteoporosis, as well as women under age 65 who are at increased risk for an osteoporosis-related fracture.
A bone mineral density test compares your bone density to the bones of an average healthy young adult. The test result, known as a T-score, tells you how strong your bones are, whether you have osteoporosis or osteopenia, and your risk for having a fracture.
How Can I Keep My Bones Strong? Preventing Osteoporosis
There are things you should do at any age to prevent weakened bones. Eating foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin D is important. So is regular weight-bearing exercise, such as weight training, walking, hiking, jogging, climbing stairs, tennis, and dancing.
If you have osteoporosis, avoid activities that involve twisting your spine or bending forward from the waist, such as conventional sit-ups, toe touches, or swinging a golf club.
Those are the best ways to keep your bones strong and healthy. Learn more about keeping your bones strong to prevent falls.
What Can I Do for My Osteoporosis?
Treating osteoporosis means stopping the bone loss and rebuilding bone to prevent breaks. Healthy lifestyle choices such as proper diet, exercise, and medications can help prevent further bone loss and reduce the risk of fractures.
But, lifestyle changes may not be enough if you have lost a lot of bone density. There are also several medicines to think about. Some will slow your bone loss, and others can help rebuild bone. Talk with your doctor to see if medicines might work to treat your osteoporosis.
In addition, you’ll want to learn how to fall-proof your home and change your lifestyle to avoid fracturing fragile bones.
Can I Avoid Falling?
When your bones are weak, a simple fall can cause a broken bone. This can mean a trip to the hospital and maybe surgery. It might also mean being laid up for a long time, especially in the case of a hip fracture. So, it is important to prevent falls.
Do Men Have Osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis is not just a woman’s disease. Not as many men have it as women do, maybe because most men start with more bone density. As they age, men lose bone density more slowly than women. But, men need to be aware of osteoporosis.
Experts don’t know as much about this disease in men as they do in women. However, many of the things that put men at risk are the same as those for women, including family history, not enough calcium or vitamin D, and too little exercise. Low levels of testosterone, too much alcohol, taking certain drugs, and smoking are other risk factors.
Older men who break a bone easily or are at risk for osteoporosis should talk with their doctors about testing and treatment.

Safety
Medicines: Common Questions Answered
Get answers to frequently asked questions about medications and older adults, including information on safety, side effects, and talking to your doctor.

Safe Use of Medicines for Older Adults
Learn about medication safety, read questions to ask the doctor or pharmacist, and get practical tips to make sure you are taking your medicines the right way.

Cold Weather Safety for Older Adults
Learn about hypothermia, or low body temperature, and its effects on older adults. Get safety tips for when it’s cold outside.

Managing Medicines for a Person with Alzheimer’s
Get tips to help people with Alzheimer’s take medicine safely. A pillbox and other reminders can reduce confusion. A doctor or pharmacist can help.

Driving Safety and Alzheimer’s Disease
Know the danger signs for when a person with Alzheimer’s should stop driving. Learn how to discuss the issue sensitively and find transportation alternatives.

Disaster Preparedness for Alzheimer’s Caregivers
Be prepared to help a person with Alzheimer’s during natural disasters. Find out what supplies to keep on hand and what to do if you must leave home.

Home Safety Checklist for Alzheimer’s Disease
Get room-by-room home safety tips to keep a person with Alzheimer’s safe throughout the home, including the bathroom, living room, bedroom, and kitchen.

Home Safety and Alzheimer’s Disease
Get home safety tips for a person with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. Learn about home safety products, potential dangers, injury and fall prevention, and more.

Balance Problems and Disorders
What causes lack of balance? Learn about balance problems and disorders, symptoms—such as dizziness, vertigo, and lightheadedness—and treatment options.

Fall-Proofing Your Home
Explore these home safety tips to prevent falls, including simple changes in your living areas, personal and lifestyle changes, and home improvements.

Fall-Proofing Your Home
Six out of every 10 falls happen at home, where we spend much of our time and tend to move around without thinking about our safety. There are many changes you can make to your home that will help you avoid falls and ensure your safety.
In Stairways, Hallways, and Pathways
• Have handrails on both sides of the stairs, and make sure they are tightly fastened. Hold the handrails when you use the stairs, going up or down. If you must carry something while you’re on the stairs, hold it in one hand and use the handrail with the other. Don’t let what you’re carrying block your view of the steps.
• Make sure there is good lighting with light switches at the top and bottom of stairs and on each end of a long hall. Remember to use the lights!
• Keep areas where you walk tidy. Don’t leave books, papers, clothes, and shoes on the floor or stairs.
• Check that all carpets are fixed firmly to the floor so they won’t slip. Put no-slip strips on tile and wooden floors. You can buy these strips at the hardware store.
• Don’t use throw rugs or small area rugs.
In Bathrooms and Powder Rooms
• Mount grab bars near toilets and on both the inside and outside of your tub and shower.
• Place non-skid mats, strips, or carpet on all surfaces that may get wet.
• Remember to turn on night lights.
In Your Bedroom
• Put night lights and light switches close to your bed.
• Keep a flashlight by your bed in case the power is out and you need to get up.
• Keep your telephone near your bed.
In Other Living Areas
• Keep electric cords and telephone wires near walls and away from walking paths.
• Secure all carpets and large area rugs firmly to the floor.
• Arrange your furniture (especially low coffee tables) and other objects so they are not in your way when you walk.
• Make sure your sofas and chairs are the right height for you to get in and out of them easily.
• Don’t walk on newly washed floors—they are slippery.
• Keep items you use often within easy reach.
• Don’t stand on a chair or table to reach something that’s too high—use a “reach stick” instead or ask for help. Reach sticks are special grabbing tools that you can buy at many hardware or medical-supply stores. If you use a step stool, make sure it is steady and has a handrail on top. Have someone stand next to you.
• Don’t let your cat or dog trip you. Know where your pet is whenever you’re standing or walking.
• Keep emergency numbers in large print near each telephone.
If you have fallen, your doctor might suggest that an occupational therapist, physical therapist, or nurse visit your home. These healthcare providers can assess your home’s safety and advise you about making changes to prevent falls.
Your Own Medical Alarm
If you’re concerned about falling, think about getting an emergency response system. If you fall or need emergency help, you push a button on a special necklace or bracelet to alert 911. There is a fee for this service, and it is not usually covered by insurance.
Home Improvements Prevent Falls
Many State and local governments have education and/or home modification programs to help older people prevent falls. Check with your local health department, or local Area Agency on Aging to see if there is a program near you

CINTAA home care shares useful information regarding healthcare on weekly basis. The post is only for information purpose only. Please check with your health care professional before using this information. To keep yourself updated with many other health tips, stay with us. We provide certified caregivers for seniors at home. If you need any help regarding eldercare, please feel free to call us today at 561-963-1915.