Osteoarthritis in the elderly It is a common problem among the elderly. Or people aged 50 and over, with knee pain, leg pain, swelling, redness, deformity, swollen knees, stiff knee joints noise in the knee making it impossible to move fully unable to carry out daily activities as usual
The symptoms of the disease are divided into stages with different symptoms and severity. We should observe ourselves or those close to us whom we love well. How long does this symptom last? When should I start seeing a doctor? to speed up treatment methodsOsteoarthritis in the elderlythat’s okay
Osteoarthritis in the elderly
osteoarthritis (Osteoarthritis) Common problems in the elderly Or people aged 50 or over, caused by the degeneration of the articular cartilage. This cartilage plays an important role in distributing force and reducing the impact on the knee joint. making it possible to move the body easily But when there is no cartilage skin to cover it The bones under the cartilage in the knee joint rub against each other. cause irritation
Osteoarthritis of the knee in the elderly, such as knee pain, leg pain, swelling, redness, deformed joints, swollen knees, stiff knee joints noise in the knee Or some people may have deformed knees bent. making it impossible to move fully Inability to carry out normal daily activities, such as getting up and sitting and feeling pain Difficulty walking anywhere, difficulty going up and down stairs. Each patient may have a different severity of the disease.
Osteoarthritis in the elderly caused by any reason
Osteoarthritis in the elderly There are several reasons for this, such as
- repeated knee fracture often or for a long time
- Hereditary family history of osteoarthritis
- get old
- Accumulating inappropriate use of the knee joint from a young age.
- being overweight causes the knee to bear more weight
- had an accident in the knee joint before
- with a history of infection in the knee joint or various arthritis diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, etc.
Factors predisposing to osteoarthritis in the elderly
- get old
- gender factor Females are more likely to suffer from osteoarthritis than males.
- inherent
- being overweight
- Behavior with inappropriate use of the knee joint, such as unhygienic sitting (squatting, squatting, kneeling, sitting cross-legged)
- going up and down the stairs often or standing and walking too much
Symptoms of osteoarthritis in the elderly
Osteoarthritis in the elderly is a sign of disease. It is divided into stages with different symptoms and severity. Try to observe your own symptoms or the elderly near us that we care about to see if they have symptoms like this or not.
1. Osteoarthritis of the knee joints in the elderly in the early stages
There may be stiffness in the joint from time to time during long periods of rest, such as stiffness in the knee, difficulty moving the knee or inability to fully bend the knee after waking up. There may be pain in the knee. Knee joint pain When doing postures that put a lot of pressure on the surface of the knee joint, such as squatting, cross-legged, going up and down stairs, or walking for long periods of time .
2. Osteoarthritis of the knee in the elderly in the middle term
In the early stages, the pain will not last long and will disappear on its own. But if the symptoms are chronic for more than 6 months, it could mean moderate osteoarthritis. in addition to feeling pain, tightness, pain in the knee joint The pain sensation may tend to be aggravated by further destruction of the cartilage surface.
when it spreads the patient may experience pain and only slight movement in the joints. Difficulty getting up from the chair or unable to bend the knees There was a shuffling sound as he moved his knees. swollen knee area having inflammation
3. Osteoarthritis of the knee in the severely elderly
In severe stages, the pain becomes more intense. I feel pain all the time even when I am not in a position that puts pressure on my knee joint. When touching the joint area, it will feel swollen and hot. or have a bent bone deformity of the knee joint
When the patient’s legs begin to deform This will cause osteoarthritis patients to experience stiffness in their joints, joint stiffness, difficulty moving, or being unable to walk. Also, the symptoms may not just be in the knee area. But the feeling of pain can spread to the knee when contracting the hip.
However, it should be noted that If you have knee pain, joint pain that comes and goes, as symptoms of early osteoarthritis I have taken pain relievers but my symptoms have not improved for several months. He should see a medical professional to diagnose osteoarthritis or not. If it is, it should be treated as soon as possible. and find the most suitable treatment method to prevent osteoarthritis in the elderly from spreading
Diagnosis of osteoarthritis in the elderly
Diagnosis of osteoarthritis in the elderly The doctor will make an assessment by taking a history and carrying out a preliminary physical examination, such as checking the degree of movement of the knee joint, laxity, loose ligaments. Patella patellar by assessing the severity of the disease The doctor will use an appropriate scoring system as an assessment.
A doctor may refer a patient prone to osteoarthritis for an X-ray examination. to see the gaps between the bones in the knee joint look at the collapsed bone patella joint distance including bone surface Also, in the case of loose knee joints your doctor may order an MRI to check your discs intervertebral and knee ligaments. Get a clearer picture of the bones, tissues and cartilage around the knee joint.
Guidelines for the treatment of osteoarthritis in the elderly
1. Medication to treat osteoarthritis
treated with medication It is used to relieve joint pain in mild cases, such as the painkiller paracetamol. muscle relaxation, etc.
2. Injection for osteoarthritis of the knee
- vitreous injection in the knee joint (Hyaluronic Acid) It is a biological therapy (Biological Therapy) for the treatment of cartilage and vitreous disorders of the knee joint. relieve pain Reduce stiffness of knee joints
- steroid injection Intra-articular steroid injections can reduce pain for a short period of a few weeks, but should only be used in acute pain. it should not be injected regularly This is because the side effects destroy the cartilage in the joint. causes the knee to deteriorate faster
3. Physical therapy
physical therapy It will give advice and advice on how to behave. which, if advised to use the terms in the right way will help relieve pain Can perform daily activities better, or can also help relieve pain in the joints by doing an ultrasound. laser treatment and rehabilitation of the patient’s body
4. Osteoarthritis surgery
- Laparoscopic surgery It is a new type of surgery. by drilling a small hole in the front of the knee joint A small video camera and small surgical instruments are placed for surgery. It is often used to treat patients with ruptured intervertebral discs. broken cartilage The ligament of the knee is torn, the knee is locked, and the symptoms are taken into consideration by the doctor.
- knee replacement surgery Osteoarthritis surgery that reduces knee pain. and increase the range of motion for the knee joint so that patients can use their daily life more conveniently Currently, there are two methods of knee replacement surgery, partial knee replacement surgery replacement and total knee replacement surgery, both methods have different limitations. The doctor will consider the patient’s case.
Osteoarthritis in the elderly Can’t have surgery?
If the patient’s symptoms are not severe Your doctor will give you advice and tips on how to use your knee properly. Advise the patient to exercise to strengthen the knee and hip muscles. But if the patient exercises as directed and it still doesn’t work. or if you have severe pain Your doctor may treat it with pain relievers. or treated with an injection into the knee joint
But in the case of severe deterioration of the joints It can be treated with knee replacement surgery The treatment will depend on the doctor’s diagnosis. If left untreated it can lead to osteoarthritis of the knee more quickly. It can also make the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee in the elderly more complicated and difficult.
Caring for osteoarthritis patients in the elderly
control knee muscles relieve pain
Managing osteoarthritis of the knee in the elderly to relieve pain in all postures Start with as little as possible, doing about 10-20 reps / set, at least 2-3 sets per day, then gradually increase the number back the ability of the muscles around the knee. To help increase muscle strength and endurance
- sit close to the chair keep your knees straight Hold the contract for a count of 1-10 (or as many as you can), when it’s down count it as 1 time and switch sides.
- If you can do the first movement fluently Try sitting with your legs crossed. Bring the legs crossed overhead, press down. and the lower leg stretch up, hold firm for a count of 1-10, then switch sides This pose will help strengthen the muscles of the thighs and abdomen.
- Lie on your back, put a small pillow under your knees. Contract your knees and extend your knees tightly, counting 1-10.
Give advice on correct use of the knee joint.
Certain behaviors and postures may not be appropriate for patients with knee arthritis. it should be adjusted accordingly.
- Doing laundry in a low chair If you can use a washing machine instead, that would be great.
- Avoid mopping the floor or cleaning the bathroom. Instead, use a mop.
- Avoid sitting on the floor for activities such as squats or cross-legs. because of having to bend the knees a lot especially when getting up and down He can adapt to sitting in a chair instead.
- When going up and down the stairs Hand holding the rail When stepping up, use your good leg to step up first. When going down, step on the side that hurts first.
Exercises for Osteoarthritis Patients
exercise Osteoarthritis in the elderly Water exercises are good exercises for patients. Because the buoyant force of the water will support the weight of the body. Reduces the pressure on the joints AND the water resistance will help strengthen the muscles. But if anyone is not comfortable You can exercise by walking too.
Preventing osteoarthritis in the elderly
Correct use of the knee joint can help extend the life of the knee joint, for example:
- Modifying the inappropriate behavior of patients with knee arthritis.
- Lose weight because being overweight will make your knees work harder to bear the weight.
- Avoid knee rotation and heavy lifting.
- Avoid going up and down the stairs. (If unavoidable There should be handrails on both sides of the stairs)
- Avoid squatting, kneeling, cross-legged, squatting, which will accelerate osteoarthritis of the knee.
a conclusion
Symptoms or signs suggestive of osteoarthritis should be observed in the elderly. If symptoms are still in the early stages, inappropriate behaviors can be modified to prevent worsening. Use the knee joint correctly to help extend the life of the knee joint.
But if the symptoms are more serious or chronic pain should see a medical professional to make a diagnosis and find appropriate treatment methods. Prevent osteoarthritis in the elderly from becoming more severe
