Supporting a Loved One with Osteoarthtitis

The early signs of Osteoarthritis (OA) typically include:

• Joint pain and stiffness: Especially noticeable in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
• Tenderness: The affected joint may feel tender when you apply light pressure.
• Grating Sensation: Your loved one may feel a grating sensation when using the joint and hear popping or crackling.
• Joint deformity and bone spurs: Extra bits of bone, which feel like hard lumps, can form around the affected joint.
• Swelling: This might be caused by soft tissue inflammation around the joint.

Some people’s symptoms may be mild and fluctuate, while others might suffer from continuous and severe symptoms, impacting their ability to do everyday activities. OA can affect almost any joint, but it is most common in the knees, hips, and small joints in the hands. If your parent has persistent symptoms of OA, it’s important that they consult their GP for a proper diagnosis and to discuss potential treatment options.

It is not easy to see a loved one suffer from Osteoarthritis, especially if it is impacting their everyday life. Supporting a loved one with OA involves both physical and emotional management. Consider the following:

• Encourage appropriate physical activity: Gentle exercise can help maintain joint flexibility and strength. 
• Assist with weight management: If necessary, provide support to maintain a healthy weight, as this can reduce joint stress.
• Offer emotional support: Be there to listen and understand. Chronic pain can affect mood and energy levels.
• Help with Treatment Plans especially for pain management: Explore treatment options such as painkillers, anti-inflammatory medicines and creams, joint injections and operations if appropriate. 
• Modify Their Home: Help make their home more accessible and comfortable to reduce strain and risk of falls.

Lifestyle changes that can help manage Osteoarthritis symptoms include regular exercise like walking or swimming, maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and using heat or cold therapy for pain relief. Always consult your loved one’s GP before making significant lifestyle changes.

The best treatment for osteoarthritis (OA) varies depending on the person’s specific symptoms and needs. Generally, it includes a combination of lifestyle modifications (like regular exercise and weight management), prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief medications, physical therapies, and, in some cases, joint injections or surgical operations. Lifestyle changes and home remedies, like heat and cold therapy, can also help manage symptoms. It’s important to discuss treatment options with a doctor or suitable pharmacist to tailor a treatment plan that suits your loved one’s condition and lifestyle.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease caused by joint wear and tear. In contrast, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks the joint lining leading to inflammation and joint damage. OA symptoms are generally restricted to the affected joints but RA can affect other organs in the body and include systemic symptoms like fatigue and fever. It is important to discuss your symptoms with a doctor to get the most accurate diagnosis, as different types of arthritis require different treatments.

Osteoarthritis is diagnosed based on a combination of patient history, physical examination, and imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs. Blood tests may also be conducted to rule out other types of arthritis. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms – especially pain – and maintaining joint function. This can include medications for pain relief, physical therapy, lifestyle changes like exercise and weight management, and, in severe cases, joint replacement surgery.

Osteoarthritis flare-ups can vary from person to person. Some people might experience a flare-up that lasts a few days, while others may have symptoms that persist for weeks. It’s important to consult with a doctor if flare-ups become more frequent or severe, as your loved one’s treatment plan may need to be adjusted.