Staying Active is the Key to Avoiding Arthritis Pain

Each year, May 31st is National Senior Health & Fitness Day. It’s a day when older adults are encouraged to get active and find ways to improve their health. In 2023, the theme is “Move More to Do More.”

Your dad’s arthritis keeps him immobile more than he should be. When his pain flares up, he slows down. It’s time to talk to his doctor about how much activity he can handle and then help him embrace the activities his doctor recommends.

Arthritis Pain Is Best Managed Through Activity

It seems odd that the best treatment for severe arthritis pain is to get up and walk, but that’s exactly what’s ideal. The more your dad moves his joints, the more they loosen up and aren’t as painful.

The CDC recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. If your dad can tolerate aerobic activities like Zumba, the goal should be 75 minutes each week.

Even if he cannot reach the full 150 minutes, he should aim for as much as he can tolerate. Swimming may be a good option as your dad will be buoyant in the water, which eases the pressure on his joints.

Take an Over-the-Counter NSAID Before Exercising

Before your dad gets active, he can make it easier on himself by taking whatever over-the-counter pain medication his doctor recommends. If he gives an ibuprofen or acetaminophen time to help with pain management, it will help.

Use Warm Baths and Cold Compresses to Ease Pain

When he’s done a walk, a warm bath can help ease any stiffness that starts back up before he goes to bed. If he finds that cold compresses ease pain and swelling more, keep a couple of ice packs in the freezer.

Don’t Stop Once He Starts

As your dad notices his muscles and joints feel stronger, he needs to keep the momentum. If he stops, it will be painful to start back up. That pain is often what makes people hesitate about whether it’s worth it or not. Make sure he knows it’s worth it.

If he’s losing interest, he could try something different. One day, he could take a walk, but another he might want to join a water aerobics class. Get a treadmill that he can use at home while he watches his favorite movie.

Companion Care at Home Services Provide the Help He Needs All Week

Encourage your dad to be active by making sure he always has someone there to keep him company. If his doctor recommends he takes a walk every day, a companion care aide will join him. He has someone to walk with, which may be the best way to get him to walk farther each day.

Make sure that your dad has the support he needs by arranging companion care at home. A specialist can go over prizes and services that help him become more active.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/physical-activity/index.html

If you or an aging loved one are considering companion care at home in Bristow, VA, please contact the caring staff at Griswold Home Care for Northern Virginia West today. Call {F:P:Sub:Cookie:L:Phone}

Griswold Home Care for Northern Virginia West is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Woodbridge, Manassas, Montclair, Dumfries, Centreville, Bristow, Fairfax Station, Clifton, Gainesville, Lorton, and the surrounding areas.