Arthritis in the elderly often feels like ongoing joint pain and tenderness, stiffness that is worse in the morning or after sitting still, swelling and joints that feel weaker or harder to move.
Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation in the joints, commonly affecting the hands, knees, hips, feet or spine in older adults. Symptoms can come and go or gradually worsen over time and may be more noticeable in cold or damp weather. Although there are over 100 types of arthritis, many cause similar day to day symptoms.
In this guide, we explain what arthritis feels like for elderly people, the most common signs to look for, and when to seek support.
Inflammatory arthritis: what is it and what does it feel like?
Inflammatory arthritis occurs when the immune system tells the body’s white blood cells to attack joint tissue after mistaking it for a harmful substance. The immune system can make this mistake if it’s affected by an autoimmune condition, as this can alter or disrupt the body’s chemical balance.
Multiple attacks can cause the joint tissue to break down, eventually leading to deformity, weakness and pain.
There are numerous types of inflammatory arthritis, making it challenging to condense the list of symptoms.
However, this type of arthritis most commonly feels like:
- Joint stiffness, particularly in the morning
- General weakness
- Swelling and redness around the affected joints
- Limited movement, making mobility difficult
- Pain, not only local to the affected area
Inflammatory arthritis is usually managed with anti-inflammatory medications, such as NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) and small doses of steroids. Non-medical therapies can also be effective, such as motion exercises that focus on improving mobility and keeping joints free of stiffness.
Osteoarthritis: what is it and what does it feel like?
Osteoarthritis is a common type of arthritis caused by the gradual degeneration of cartilage in the joints. Cartilage is vital for joint function as it acts as a cushion between the two bones, preventing them from rubbing against each other and giving ample space for the joint to move freely.
As we age, this cartilage becomes softer and easier to wear away. Once this happens, the bone becomes exposed, causing the classic osteoarthritis pain.
There are four stages of osteoarthritis, each of which feels different to older adults:
- Stage one: In the earliest stage of osteoarthritis, individuals may feel intermittent pain in the affected area. There may also be occasional swelling and weakness.
- Stage two: As the affected joint begins to develop small lumps (osteophytes), it may take on a different shape and feel tender when pressure is applied. Pain can be felt after a long day, and stiffness is likely to occur after prolonged periods of inactivity.
- Stage three: Pain and stiffness are common in this stage, and you may notice that the affected joint remains swollen for longer after engaging in strenuous movement. You may experience a grating, popping or cracking sensation with movement, due to the worsening damage to the joint cartilage.
- Stage four: This stage is characterised by a significant loss of cartilage, resulting in a limited range of movement due to increased stiffness and pain. Osteophytes continue to grow and rub within the joint, causing sharp, severe pain. Surgery may be required to fix the damage.
What do osteophytes feel like?
A common by-product of osteoarthritis is the formation of osteophytes, also known as bone spurs. These smooth lumps grow on the outside of the bone, particularly common on the spine, hands, hips, shoulders, knees and feet.
Bone spurs may go undetected for weeks or months, but as you progress through the stages of osteoarthritis, they can grow and cause issues by rubbing against nerves, bone or nearby tissue.
This rubbing can cause:
- Weakness in or near the affected joint
- Dull pain when using the joint for an extended period of time
- Increased stiffness
- Numbness or tingling
- Sharp pain after movement
- Pain in nearby joints or tendons
Rheumatoid arthritis: what is it and what does it feel like?
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. This is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis and can begin at any age, but it’s most common between the ages of 30 and 50.
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis aren’t always constant, so it’s possible to live with the condition for years with only minor flare-ups every now and then. These are brief periods where the pain is worse and more intense before returning to normal.
Again, rheumatoid arthritis can affect people in different ways, making it difficult to determine what it truly feels like.
However, symptoms can include:
- Slight tenderness in certain areas of the body
- Feeling more tired than usual
- New weakness in certain areas of the body
- Feeling run down, as if you have a cold or the flu
Rheumatoid arthritis doesn’t just involve pain or stiffness. One of the most common symptoms is fatigue, accompanied by a significant drop in energy. This is due to the body having to use the majority of its energy on fighting inflammation, which often takes more out of the body than we think. Other common symptoms include depression and weight loss.
Dealing with rheumatoid arthritis fatigue
Like most chronic conditions, there isn’t currently a cure for rheumatoid arthritis. However, there are several ways to manage the effects of the condition, both through medications and non-medical therapies.
One of the most common and most debilitating symptoms is fatigue.
To combat this, you could:
- Plan your days around your energy levels: Track when you feel most energetic throughout the day and use this information to create a routine that allows you to complete your most important tasks without feeling overwhelmed or tired.
- Pace your daily activities: Consider spreading your activities and errands throughout the week, rather than trying to complete them all in one day.
When should I see a doctor about joint pain?
Despite the fact that there’s no cure for arthritis, it’s still recommended that you notify your doctor if your discomfort or stiffness begins interfering with daily activities. Your doctor will be able to run tests and review your medical history to determine which type of arthritis you have and which treatment plan is the best option moving forward.
Possible next steps they could recommend include:
- Referral to a specialist: When a doctor suspects rheumatoid arthritis, they’ll often refer you to a rheumatologist.
- Medication: You may be prescribed medication to treat symptoms, such as NSAIDs (e.g. Ibuprofen) for inflammation or steroids.
- Magnetic pulse therapy: This therapy targets pain with a weak electromagnetic pulse, which many find reduces discomfort.
- Alternative therapies: Several alternative therapies have been shown to help with pain and relieve tension, including yoga, tai chi and acupuncture.
- Surgery: Certain types of arthritis may require surgery to improve symptoms and boost quality of life.
Care options for older adults with arthritis
In the later stages of arthritis, many people consider their care options. Moving around may become more challenging, increasing your risk of falls and posing a daily threat to your safety. You may also begin to suffer from chronic fatigue, which makes everyday tasks more challenging.
At Trinity Homecare, we understand the challenges that arthritis can bring, especially with extra healthcare appointments that need attending and therapies to continue. Whether you need a carer to visit you at home a few days a week or a full-time live-in carer for comprehensive support, we can create a personalised arthritis care plan to support you.
Talk to Trinity Homecare Today
If your loved one requires home care, chat with one of our friendly care team today. We offer a free, no-obligation enquiry and assessment service and are happy to offer information and advice to help you find the perfect home care solution.
Call us on 0207 183 4884 in confidence for a free no obligation quotation. If enquiring outside of our opening hours, please complete our online form and we will contact you the next day.
