What Causes Arthritis in the Elderly?

If you or a loved one is experiencing persistent joint pain, stiffness or swelling, arthritis could be the cause. Arthritis is one of the most common health conditions affecting older adults and can have a significant impact on mobility and quality of life. But with the right understanding, treatment and support, it’s possible to manage symptoms and stay independent for longer.

In this guide, we look at what arthritis is, how it develops, what it feels like and what can be done to manage it. We’ll also explain how tailored arthritis care at home can support older people to live comfortably and confidently.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a broad term used to describe inflammation in the joints. It causes pain, stiffness and reduced mobility, and can affect one or multiple joints at the same time. While there are many types of arthritis, the two most common in older adults are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that develops over time due to wear and tear. It affects the smooth cartilage that cushions the ends of bones, leading to friction, pain and joint damage. This is the most common form of arthritis in the elderly.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. This type tends to cause more widespread inflammation and can affect internal organs as well as joints.

Arthritis can affect people in different ways. For some, it develops gradually; for others, it may appear more suddenly. The joints most commonly affected include the knees, hips, hands and spine, but any joint can be impacted.

What causes arthritis?

There’s no single cause of arthritis, but several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing the condition, especially later in life.

Age is one of the biggest risk factors. As we grow older, the cartilage in our joints naturally begins to wear down, making older adults more susceptible to osteoarthritis.

Other contributing factors include:

Family history – some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can run in families.
Previous joint injuries – damage from old injuries can lead to arthritis developing in later years.
Obesity – carrying excess weight places additional strain on the joints, especially the knees and hips.
Gender – women are more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis, while men are slightly more prone to gout.
Autoimmune triggers – in cases like rheumatoid arthritis, the exact cause is unknown, but the immune system plays a key role.

Over time, these risk factors can lead to joint inflammation, pain, stiffness and a gradual loss of mobility.

What does arthritis feel like?

The symptoms of arthritis vary between individuals and depend on the type and severity of the condition. Some people experience occasional discomfort, while others may live with daily pain and stiffness that make everyday tasks more difficult.

Common signs and symptoms of arthritis include:

Pain in joints – often described as a dull ache or a sharp pain, particularly during or after movement.
Sore joints – tenderness when pressure is applied, especially in areas like the knees or finger joints.
Joint stiffness – usually worse in the mornings or after periods of inactivity.
Swelling in the finger joints or larger joints – inflammation can cause joints to become visibly swollen or warm to the touch.
Reduced range of motion – joints may feel restricted or harder to move.
Fatigue – particularly in autoimmune types like rheumatoid arthritis.

Living with arthritis can also have an emotional impact, especially if it begins to affect independence or disrupt sleep.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

If arthritis is suspected, a GP or specialist (such as a rheumatologist) will carry out a physical examination and ask about symptoms. They may also arrange tests to confirm a diagnosis or rule out other conditions.

These could include:

Blood tests – to check for markers of inflammation or autoimmune activity.
X-rays or MRI scans – to assess joint damage or changes in cartilage and bone.
Joint fluid analysis – sometimes used to detect infection or crystals (as in gout).

Early diagnosis is key to managing arthritis effectively and preventing further joint damage.

Treatment for arthritis

There is no permanent cure for arthritis, but there are many effective treatments to reduce symptoms and slow down progression. Treatment plans are typically tailored to the individual, depending on the type and severity of arthritis they have.

Options include:

Medication – such as anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, or disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs) in the case of rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis treatment – often includes pain relief, lifestyle changes and physical therapy to strengthen muscles and protect joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis treatment – may involve immune-suppressing medication and regular monitoring to manage flare-ups and protect joint health.
Physiotherapy and exercise – gentle, regular movement helps reduce stiffness and improve strength.
Diet and lifestyle changes – a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight can ease pressure on joints and reduce inflammation.

In some cases, surgical intervention may be recommended – for example, joint replacement surgery for severely damaged hips or knees.

What does arthritis care at home involve?

For many older adults, managing arthritis at home is a practical and comfortable way to maintain independence while getting the support they need. Arthritis care at home, provided by a trained carer can make a real difference in daily life, particularly during flare-ups or when mobility is limited.

Here’s how home care can help:

Support with mobility and movement – carers can assist with safe walking, stretching and daily activities to prevent stiffness and build strength.
Help with dressing and bathing – painful or swollen joints can make it harder to manage personal care. A carer can offer discreet and respectful assistance.
Meal preparation and nutrition – a balanced diet can support joint health and reduce inflammation, especially when rich in omega-3, antioxidants and calcium.
Medication support – from reminders to administration, ensuring arthritis medication is taken consistently and correctly.
Household support – from cleaning to shopping, carers can relieve the physical strain that can trigger symptoms.
Emotional support and companionship – arthritis can be frustrating or isolating; a friendly carer offers valuable reassurance and conversation.

Whether it’s occasional help or full-time live-in care, home-based arthritis support can be adapted to your needs.

Talk to us about arthritis care

At Trinity Homecare, we provide compassionate, professional arthritis care at home to help you or a loved one live well at home. Whether you need visiting care a few times a week or 24/7 live-in care, our team is here to help with daily routines, medication and lifestyle support – always with warmth and respect.

To learn more about how we can support you or a family member, call us today on 020 4572 2798 for a friendly, no-obligation chat. Or if you prefer, complete our online form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.