The basics for osteoarthritis treatments for elderly patients
The wearing out of the protective cartilage at the end of the bones causes osteoarthritis. It majorly affects joints on the knees, spine, arms and hip. Although it affects all people, it may worsen during old age. Osteoarthritis is treatable using injections and physical exercise.
The significant symptoms of osteoarthritis include; stiffness and swelling in the joints and chronic pain. Elderly osteoarthritis patients should be encouraged to lose weight. They should also take a proper diet. Losing weight controls the amount of pressure exerted on the joints.
Apart from that, geriatricians should make them understand the condition they are suffering from by explaining to them what osteoarthritis is and how it can be managed. Although exercise may be perceived to accelerate wearing out of the protective cartilage, that is only a misconception that is incorrect.
Patients should be encouraged to exercise regularly. Yoga, water based exercise and aerobics are some of the essential physical exercises elderly patients can participate. they can also use assertive devices such as walkers for independence. Knee braces also play a key role in reducing chronic pain.
Pharmacotherapy is an effective way of controlling and treating the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Various drugs are administered to elderly patients, these include; NSAIDs, opioids, duloxetine, and analgesics. Although intra-articular corticosteroid injections raise the glucose level temporarily in diabetic patients, they are an effective way of managing osteoarthritis in some patients.
Application of gels, such as diclofenac gel and capsaicin, is also useful. Apply them directly to the skin. Capsaicin should not be used on delicate skin as it produces a burning sensation. NSAIDs are administered orally. Although they are highly effective in reducing pain, they emit toxicities that can cause complications to the heart, gastrointestinal track, kidneys and liver. People with cardiovascular ailments should first consult a cardiologist before taking them.
Duloxetine reduces chronic pain. It can be given to patients who tried NSAIDs and it did not work. Patients with illnesses related to the gastrointestinal track, kidneys, heart and liver can also use them. A patient should take a dose of duloxetine every day. It reduces polypharmacy in patients suffering from concomitant depression. Osteoarthritis Research Society International guidelines recommends a single joint involved to fast use intra-articular injections while those with multiple to start with oral medication.