Arthritis is a common condition that affects up to 9.6% of men and 18% of women aged 60 and above worldwide. Many people have the common misconception that arthritis is an inevitable result of old age. However, this is not true. Arthritis and aging may not be connected at all. There are two main types of arthritis and one of them is not caused by aging.
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a chronic disorder that affects the joints, most commonly the knees, hips and hands. This condition is more common in women than men. There are two types of arthritis—osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent type of arthritis that affects older adults. It occurs when the protective cartilage between the joints of our bones has been worn out. Without this protective cartilage, our bones will rub against each other when we move, resulting in joint pain, stiffness and swelling. You may notice your joints becoming knobby, or find it hard to move after remaining in one position for a while. Symptoms may subside or worsen depending on the weather and your activity level.
Rheumatoid arthritis is less common and affects only 0.24 to 1% of the population. It occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks the protective cartilage that cushions your joints. Other than the usual symptoms of joint pain and stiffness, you may also experience fever, fatigue and a general feeling of malaise in your whole body. This is because rheumatoid arthritis does not just affect your joints. Your immune system can also attack the connective tissues of your organs, like the eyes, lungs and heart.
Difference Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, unlike osteoarthritis, can occur at any age. The reason why the risk of osteoarthritis increases with age is that our joints naturally go through wear and tear as we have used them for a long time. However, rheumatoid arthritis is not caused by the wearing down of our joints but by a malfunction in our immune system. This can be due to a genetic disease, smoking, or early exposure to second-hand smoke.
While rheumatoid arthritis is not preventable, there are ways to reduce your risk factors for developing osteoarthritis. These include:
- Avoiding exercise that puts strain on your joints, such as running and weight training.
- Maintaining a good posture and taking regular breaks to stretch your joints.
- Maintaining a healthy weight by eating healthily and doing regular exercise.
Living with Arthritis in Our Retirement Community
Is your loved one suffering from chronic pains as a result of arthritis? The team members in our Assisted Living community are trained to care for residents with arthritis. They will work closely with your loved ones to help ease their pain and swelling. In addition, we aim to provide exceptional and professional care services for all residents while giving them the support they need to live independently. Your loved ones can also choose from a range of apartment floor plans to suit their needs and preferences. Interested to learn more about Assisted Living in North Richland Hills, TX? Contact us or schedule a tour to visit our beautiful grounds today!
