Topeka Senior Care

For seniors struggling with arthritis pain, the last thing they want to do is exercise. Nevertheless, it’s incredibly important for those with arthritis to continue being physically active to prevent the disease from progressing and to boost functionality of the joints. The key is identifying the proper degree and form of exercise to produce health benefits, while fending off further harm.

The Topeka senior care team at Grace Home Care is committed to helping seniors safely and effectively maximize physical activity to strengthen overall health and wellbeing. If your senior loved one is reluctant to exercise as a result of arthritis pain, the initial step is to schedule an appointment with his or her physician for assistance with managing pain and suggestions on an appropriate physical exercise plan.

With the physician’s consent, the following list of questions and answers may be helpful to ask your senior loved one to help manage some of the prevalent effects of exercising with arthritis:

Are you experiencing mild pain prior to exercising? Often people with arthritis encounter some measure of discomfort when initially beginning an exercise program, and are inclined to stop moving at that point. However, experts recommend continuing through mild pain with simple range of motion movements, which actually will provide lubrication for the joints and benefit blood circulation. Pain should abate after a couple of minutes of gentle movement, which can then be followed by a low-impact physical exercise program, like walking.

Are you experiencing a higher degree of pain before exercising? Moderate to severe pain at the onset of activity should be treated differently. If the pain is limited to one specific region, such as the wrists, give those joints the chance to rest and recover, and put the emphasis instead on exercising remaining parts of the body for a day or two; and then try again.

Is heightened pain a factor during exercise? If pain intensity accelerates rather than decreases while exercising, the older adult should stop and see the health care provider again for suggestions. Inflammation or injury to the joint could perhaps be an issue and needs to be dealt with.

How are you feeling after exercising? If moderate to severe pain is noticed after exercising, switching to an alternate type of physical activity that’s easier on the joints is advised. Water aerobics, swimming and riding a stationary bike are often recommended for those with arthritis – but again, contact the doctor for approval prior to beginning or changing an exercise plan.

Grace Home Care, leaders in senior care in Topeka, KS and nearby areas, can help older adults with arthritis in a variety of ways, including:

  • Providing safe, dependable transportation to medical appointments
  • Picking up prescription refills and running other errands
  • Offering motivation and encouragement to engage in a physician-approved exercise program
  • Preparing healthy meals
  • Assisting with ambulation and personal care needs, such as showering and getting dressed
  • Providing pleasant companionship to brighten each day
  • And so much more

Contact our professionals in senior care in Topeka, KS and surrounding communities at Grace Home Care for more arthritis management advice and to learn more about our in-home care solutions for seniors. You can reach us any time at 785.286.CARE.