Most Common Senior Conditions That Need Rehab

Though seniors deal with various health issues, arthritis seems to be most common, painful and debilitating, especially when left untreated. There are several types of arthritis, but rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are more widespread among seniors. They have varying causes, though the symptoms are similar, requiring rehab to manage them.

The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include joint tenderness, swelling, stiffness, and warmth. Some individuals also experience fever, fatigue, and loss of appetite. The symptoms may vary in severity, though they are usually worse in the mornings or after a period of inactivity.

As one of the most common senior conditions, rehab is crucial for rheumatoid arthritis. Physical therapy includes exercises to increase strength, endurance, and range of motion. Occupational therapy teaches individuals new ways to perform tasks without exacerbating their condition. Trained therapists advise patients on the best exercises, how to perform them safely, and when to rest their aching joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder causing the body’s immune system to attack its tissue. It first affects the joints, causing swelling and pain, though bone erosion and joint deformity may also occur. As well as affecting the joints, it also causes damage to the heart, blood vessels, lungs, skin, and eyes.

Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage between bones wears down, resulting in the bones rubbing together. The symptoms include discomfort, pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced flexibility. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, though it’s most common in the hands, hips, and knees. Though it also affects men, it is one of the most common senior conditions in women, often requiring rehab.

Physical therapy uses exercises designed to reduce pain, increase flexibility, and strengthen the muscles around the joint. Your therapist will ensure you’re doing the proper exercises on a schedule that reduces your symptoms with minimal risk.

Everyday tasks, such as brushing your teeth, gripping a fork, or standing in the shower, are challenging with osteoarthritis. An occupational therapist helps you learn new methods for performing such tasks to avoid pain or stress on affected joints. With the proper therapy, individuals maintain their independence and quality of life.

At Fairview Rehab, we offer inpatient and outpatient rehab therapies for arthritis, joint replacement care, falls, and fractures. Our trained staff and therapists offer exercise programs, and emotional support to our patients. By customizing rehab and treatments to match individuals, we ensure a speedy recovery for patients with this most common senior condition.

Resources:

https://www.paho.org/en/enlace/estimates-need-rehabilitation#:~:text=The%20likelihood%20of%20having%20a,groups%20of%20conditions%20by%20age
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20353648
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4924-rheumatoid-arthritis
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351930
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6912819/