Knee pain is a common complaint among seniors and might have several root causes. When seniors have any type of pain, it can affect how they go about their day-to-day tasks. And since the knees are part of what keeps seniors stable, pain in that area often causes them to slow down and avoid those and any other tasks they once enjoyed. Seniors with companion care at home services can gain encouragement to work through their knee pain with certain exercises or medication management.
Keep reading to learn more about knee pain, common causes, and more.
Common Causes of Knee Pain in Seniors
As mentioned above, knee pain can be caused by several things and might also be linked to how active seniors were in their younger years. Seniors who played sports or worked in careers requiring knee strength and flexibility might have more knee pain as they age. In addition, being overweight or obese can put an unnecessary strain on the knees, resulting in pain and discomfort.
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common issues when discussing knee pain. Osteoarthritis happens due to wear and tear on the joints over time. Rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory disorder that affects the joints and can result in persistent pain and stiffness, is another possible explanation. Knee pain can also occur due to ligament sprains, meniscus tears, or fractures. These injuries might be the result of falls or other incidents.
Various Treatments Available for Knee Pain
Treatment options for knee pain in seniors might vary widely based on the nature of the condition as well as its degree of severity. In most cases, the initial course of treatment will consist of non-surgical methods. These may consist of anti-inflammatory and pain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), designed to reduce inflammation and control discomfort.
It is common practice to advise seniors to participate in physical therapy in order to enhance knee flexibility, strength, and stability. Seniors with companion care at home can ensure they’re using proper form when working through these exercises. Home care aids can also provide gentle reminders to pay attention to knee pain and to consistently move throughout the day. They may also offer transportation to seniors to ensure they attend their medical and physical therapy appointments.
Assistive devices such as canes and knee braces may be utilized to offer support to the knees and relieve some of the pressure that is placed on them. In certain circumstances, hyaluronic acid or corticosteroid injection may be delivered to the affected joint to reduce discomfort and enhance joint function. However, if non-invasive treatments like rest and physical therapy don’t help, doctors might explore more invasive procedures like knee replacement or arthroscopy.
Hiring Companion Care at Home Services
Improving a senior’s mobility and freedom is largely dependent on their knees. Knees support the weight of the body and make it possible to perform fundamental motions such as walking, ascending stairs, and standing up from a seated posture. Seniors with good knees are better able to participate in a wide range of activities and keep an active lifestyle, both of which contribute to their overall well-being. However, in order for seniors to keep their quality of life and independence as they age, they need to be encouraged to seek help for their knee pain, which can come from loved ones and their companion care at home.
Source: https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/age-proof-your-knees
https://www.urgentlyorthoaz.com/blog/knee-pain-and-aging
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1753462/
If you or an aging loved one are considering Companion Care at Home Services in Roswell GA please contact the caring staff at Senior Solutions Home Care. (404) 266-8773
Senior Solutions Home Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Atlanta, Palmetto, Alpharetta, Chattahoochee Hills, Milton, College Park, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Hapeville, Johns Creek, and all of Fulton County.
Over the years, we have expanded, providing service in all 95 counties throughout Tennessee, and we now have a growing presence in Georgia.
Senior Solutions is recognized as a top 5% independent agency and a three-time Inc. 5000 honoree in 2018, 2019, and 2020. These types of awards matter to us because they show growth in our goal of eventually touching a million lives. We’re excited to continue that growth and to touch even more families with our commitment to quality care!
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