Osteoarthritis in the elderly It is a common problem in the elderly. Or people aged 50 years and over, with knee pain, leg pain, swelling, redness, deformity, swollen knees, stiff knee joints noise in the knee make 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 that we love well. How long is this symptom? When should I start seeing a doctor? to expedite treatment methodsOsteoarthritis in the elderlythat’s right
Osteoarthritis in the elderly
Osteoarthritis (Osteoarthritis) Common problems in the elderly Or people aged 50 years or more, caused by the deterioration 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 The bones beneath the cartilage in the knee joint rub against each other. cause inflammation
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. make it impossible to move fully Inability to carry out daily activities as usual, such as getting up and sitting and feeling pain Difficult to walk anywhere, difficult to go 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
- repetitive knee fracture often or for a long time
- Hereditary family history of osteoarthritis
- increasing age
- Accumulation of improper use of the knee joint from a young age.
- being overweight causing the knee to bear more weight
- had an accident in the knee joint before
- have a history of infection in the knee joint or various arthritis diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, etc.
Factors that provoke osteoarthritis in the elderly
- getting older
- gender factor Females are more likely to suffer from osteoarthritis than males.
- congenital
- being overweight
- Behavior with inappropriate use of the knee joint, such as unhygienic sitting (squatting, squatting, kneeling, cross-legged sitting)
- go up and down stairs often or standing and walking too much
Symptoms of osteoarthritis in the elderly
Osteoarthritis in the elderly is a signal of disease. It is divided into stages with different symptoms and severity. Try to observe the symptoms of yourself 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 occasional stiffness in the joint during prolonged stationary periods, 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. Joint pain in the knee 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 go away on its own. But if the symptoms are chronic for more than 6 months, it could mean moderate osteoarthritis. is in addition to feeling pain, tightness, pain in the knee joint The pain sensation may tend to be exacerbated by further destruction of the cartilage surface.
when it spreads The patient may experience pain and only a slight movement in the joints. Difficulty getting out of the chair or unable to bend the knees There was a rustling sound as he moved his knees. swollen knee area have inflammation
3. Osteoarthritis of the knee in severe elderly
In severe stages, the pain becomes more intense. I feel pain all the time even when I’m 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 unable to walk. Also, the symptoms may not be only in the knee area. But the feeling of pain may spread to the kneecap while contracting the thigh.
However, it should be noted that If you have knee pain, joint pain that comes and goes, like symptoms of early osteoarthritis I have taken painkillers but my symptoms have not improved for several months. should see a medical professional to diagnose whether it is osteoarthritis or not If it is, it should be treated as soon as possible. and find the most suitable treatment approach 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 conducting a preliminary physical examination, such as checking the degree of motion of the knee joint, looseness, loose ligaments. Patellar patella 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 X-ray examination. to see the gaps between the bones in the knee joint look at the collapsed bone patella joint distension including bone surface In addition, in the case of loose knee joints Your doctor may order an MRI to check your intervertebral discs 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 by medication It is used to relieve joint pain in mild cases, such as the painkiller paracetamol. muscle relaxants, etc.
2. Injection for osteoarthritis of the knee
- injecting vitreous 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. pain relief 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. should not be injected regularly This is because the side effects destroy the joint cartilage. causes the knee to deteriorate faster
3. Physical therapy
physical therapy It will provide advice and advice on how to behave. which, if advised to use the terms in the correct way will help relieve pain Can perform daily activities better, or may also help relieve pain in the joints by doing ultrasound. laser treatment and rehabilitate the patient’s body
4. Osteoarthritis surgery
- Laparoscopic surgery It’s 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 inserted for surgery. It is often used to treat patients with torn intervertebral discs. broken cartilage The knee ligament is torn, the knee is locked, and the symptoms are taken for consideration by the doctor.
- knee replacement surgery It is 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, which are partial knee replacement surgery 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 advice on how to use your knee properly. Advise the patient to exercise to strengthen the knee and thigh muscles. But if the patient exercises according to the instructions and still does not work. or have severe pain Your doctor may treat it with pain relievers. or treated by injection into the knee joint
But in the case of severe deterioration of the joints May be treated with knee replacement surgery The treatment will depend on the doctor’s diagnosis. If left untreated May result in knee osteoarthritis faster It may also make the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee in the elderly more complicated and difficult.
Caring for osteoarthritis patients in the elderly
knee muscle management pain relief
Management of osteoarthritis of the knee in the elderly to relieve pain in each posture Start with as little as possible, doing about 10-20 reps/set, at least 2-3 sets per day, then gradually increase the number according to the ability of the muscles around the knee. To help increase strength and endurance of muscles
- sit close to chair keep your knees straight Hold the contract for a count of 1-10 (or as much as you can), when it’s down, count it as 1 time and switch sides.
- If you can do the first move fluently Try sitting with your legs crossed. Bring the legs crossed above, press down. and the lower leg stretched 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 stretch your knees taut, counting 1-10.
Advise on proper use of the knee joint.
Some behaviors and postures may not be appropriate for patients with knee arthritis. 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 squatting or cross-legging. due to having to bend the knees a lot especially when getting up and down May adjust to sit in a chair instead.
- When going up and down stairs Hand holding the railing 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 body weight. Reduces pressure on joints And the water resistance will help strengthen the muscles. But if anyone is not comfortable You can exercise by walking as well.
Prevention of osteoarthritis in the elderly
Correct use of the knee joint can help extend the life of the knee joint, for example:
- Modify 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-legging, squatting, which will accelerate the knee osteoarthritis.
conclusion
Symptoms or signs suggestive of osteoarthritis in the elderly should be observed. If symptoms are still in the early stages, inappropriate behaviors can be adjusted to prevent aggravation. Use the knee joint properly to help extend the life of the knee joint.
But if the symptoms are more severe or chronic pain Should see a medical professional to diagnose and find appropriate treatment methods. Preventing osteoarthritis in the elderly from getting more severe