Does your CNA understand arthritis?

In the United States, arthritis affects more than 46 million people. By 2030, as the "baby boomer generation" gets older, this number is expected to climb to 60 million! With such numbers, it's safe to say that your care assistant provides care for clients with arthritis. But does your CNA know that arthritis is not a normal part of aging, and what can they do to help patients with arthritis? Below are some information that will help discuss arthritis at the next CNA service meeting.

Arthritis pain and pain

"Oh, my painful joint!" You may have heard many customers complaining. In fact, you may have already said it yourself!

Pain joints are one of the main symptoms of arthritis. [This makes sense, because the word "arthritis" comes from two Greek words, meaning "joint" and "inflammation".] But, do you know...?

• There are over 100 different types of arthritis. Some forms of illness are mild and some can be very serious.
• Certain types of arthritis affect the entire body - not just the joints.
• Most forms of arthritis are chronic... this means there is no cure, and they are a lifetime.
• Half of people over the age of 65 reported symptoms of arthritis.

Is arthritis not part of the elderly?

You may think that arthritis is just the normal part of aging. So what is the most important thing? Shouldn't we expect to have joint pain with age?

Hmm... some forms of arthritis do come from the wear and tear of the joints. Moreover, the older we are, the more easily the joints wear out. However, there are a few things to keep in mind about arthritis:

• Nearly two out of every three arthritis patients younger More than 65 years old.
• Some older people have never had arthritis.
• Many young people are diagnosed with arthritis. In fact, more than 8 million Americans under the age of 44 have arthritis.
• Some forms of arthritis appear to be caused by viral, bacterial or genetic defects - not the wear and tear of aging joints.
• Most people over the age of 60 show signs of arthritis on their X-rays, but many of them do not have the symptoms of this disease.

What causes arthritis?

The exact cause of arthritis remains a mystery. However, there appear to be three major factors contributing to the development of arthritis. These include:

genetic factors

• There seems to be a genetic link to develop osteoarthritis, especially in the joints of the hands. Some people are born with cartilage defects and are easy to break down.

Accident, injury and disease

• Certain types of arthritis may be caused by bacterial infections.
• People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing certain forms of arthritis.
• Accidental injuries - such as dislocated joints, sprains or fractures - can cause arthritis.
• Exercise-related injuries can cause arthritis.

lifestyle

• Malnutrition may be a factor in the development of arthritis.
• Years of poor posture or lack of exercise can lead to arthritis.

Because arthritis affects many people, at least half of the patients are affected by the disease. In dealing with this painful chronic disease, they are forced to learn how to manage their daily lives. So what is the good news? You can help!

A dozen tips to help clients manage arthritis

1. Remember, if you hear snoring, snoring or percussion when the customer moves the joint, they may have Osteoarthritis . And, if you hear sounds like wrinkled plastic wraps while moving joints, they might Rheumatoid Arthritis .

2. Remember that for people with arthritis, some days are better than others. Don't be surprised if your customers are working well one day and need a lot of help in the next step.

3. Check your client's physical condition ' shoes. Keep in mind that as people get older, people's feet can change size. If the shoes are too small, they put pressure on the sensitive joints. If the shoes are too big, they will put your customers at risk of falling.

4. Remind your customers to change locations frequently. This includes their chin, neck, hands, shoulders, arms, buttocks, legs, back and feet. Encourage them to stretch any area that feels tense or stiff.

5. Remember that people with arthritis may be more likely to climb the stairs at once, resulting in stronger legs.

6. Remind your customers to use the strongest joints to complete the task. For example, instead of opening the door with an arthritic hand, push it away with your shoulder.

7. Encourage patients with arthritis to sit on a chair so they can push their arms when they get up.

8. Make sure to balance the time and rest time of your workouts and activities.

9. Remember that some of your customers may have special splints to help keep the joints in the right position and relieve pain. Your customers may need to help put on and take off these splints.

10. Remind your customers to use the correct posture. This helps prevent extra joint damage. [And, remember, laziness actually needs More Energy is better than sitting upright! ]

11. Encourage your customers to use any self-service equipment they may have to help them bathe, dress or eat. If they don't know how to use a particular accessory, tell your supervisor.

12. If the client has pain, stiffness or swelling in or around the joint, be sure to inform your supervisor.

For a more comprehensive review of arthritis, consider introducing a service to your care assistant to learn about arthritis.

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