The Caregiver Guide – Living with Arthritis Symptoms

Arthritis is one of the most common chronic health conditions affecting older adults today. According to a 2022 report by the National Center for Health Statistics, nearly 19% of U.S. adults had diagnosed arthritis, with prevalence rising sharply with age, reaching almost 54% in adults aged 75 and older.   According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention indicators, an estimated 58.5 million U.S. adults present arthritis symptoms, and more than 25.7 million report arthritis-attributable activity limitations.

These figures illustrate the widespread impact of arthritis and highlight why caregivers need a clear understanding of the condition, from causes and symptoms to therapies, exercise, diet, and prevention, so they can better support their loved ones.

Arthritis isn’t a single disease but an umbrella term encompassing more than 100 conditions that affect the joints, surrounding tissues, and other connective tissues. In older adults, arthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic pain and disability, often making everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or even gripping a coffee cup difficult.

What Causes Arthritis?

Arthritis has many forms, but the two most prevalent in older adults are:

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that develops when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time. It most commonly affects joints in the knees, hips, spine, and hands.

OA is strongly associated with:

• Age. The older you get, the greater the risk
• Joint injury or overuse
• Being overweight which places extra stress on weight-bearing joints
• Family history or genetics

Osteoarthritis is not an inevitable part of aging, but its prevalence increases with age, particularly in people over age 55.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

RA is an autoimmune condition wherein the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissues, causing inflammation, pain, and potential joint damage. It can also affect other body systems if not managed well.

RA risk factors include:

• Family history of autoimmune diseases
• Smoking (a known modifiable risk factor)
• Obesity
• Exposure to certain environmental factors

Recognizing Common Arthritis Symptoms

Though arthritis can vary by type, most forms have overlapping symptoms that caregivers should watch for:

• Joint pain and tenderness
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after resting
• Swelling and warmth around joints
• Reduced range of motion and difficulty performing daily tasks
• Fatigue (especially in inflammatory arthritis like RA)
• Changes in joint shape or alignment in advanced cases

Arthritis Symptoms may come and go, worsen over time, or fluctuate with activity and rest. Early recognition and intervention can help preserve mobility and quality of life.

Proven Therapies for Arthritis Management

There’s no universal cure, but modern therapies can control arthritis symptoms, slow progression, and improve function. A multi-modal approach, combining medical treatment, physical activity, and lifestyle changes, is most effective.

Medical Treatments

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — reduce pain and inflammation
• Analgesics (like acetaminophen) for pain relief
• Corticosteroids — short-term control of flares
• Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) — for RA specifically
• Biologic agents — targeted therapy for RA and related conditions
• Joint injections — for localized relief
• Surgery (such as joint replacement) in advanced or debilitating cases

Medical therapy should always be guided by a healthcare provider, especially to balance effectiveness and side effects.

Exercise — Pain Relief and Mobility Improvement

Staying active is one of the most essential, evidence-based strategies to manage arthritis symptoms. Physical activity helps reduce pain, strengthen muscles, maintain joint mobility, improve balance, and prevent disability.

Adults, including those with arthritis, are advised to aim for:

• At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week
• Strength-training activities at least twice per week
• Balance-enhancing activities for older adults

Helpful low-impact activities include water exercises, swimming, brisk walking, Tai Chi, cycling, and light gardening. They’re all joint-friendly ways to stay active without causing excessive pain.

If pain or swelling becomes worse with activity, consult a healthcare provider — but don’t let fear of discomfort halt movement entirely. Even short 5–10 minute increments add up toward better joint health.

Diet and Nutrition — Supporting Joint Health

While diet can’t cure arthritis, anti-inflammatory eating patterns can help reduce symptoms and support general health:

• Mediterranean-style diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish (high in omega-3 fatty acids), nuts, and healthy fats may reduce inflammation.
• Maintaining a healthy weight lessens stress on weight-bearing joints like hips and knees. Even modest weight loss (5–10% of body weight) can significantly reduce joint pain and improve function.
• Limiting processed foods, added sugars, and excessive saturated fats may help reduce overall inflammation and weight.

A registered dietitian or primary care provider can help tailor nutritional plans to individual needs, especially when arthritis coexists with other conditions like diabetes or heart disease.

Lifestyle Changes That Prevent or Delay Progression

While some risk factors (like age or genetics) can’t be changed, caregivers can help loved ones adopt habits that may prevent additional joint damage or delay progression:

Weight Management

Excess weight, especially around the hips, knees, and spine, increases joint stress. Reducing weight by even a small amount reduces pain and slows joint degeneration.

Joint Protection and Ergonomics

Using assistive devices (canes, shoe inserts, braces), avoiding repetitive joint strain, and modifying home environments can reduce pain during everyday activities.

Smoking Cessation and Healthy Habits

Smoking increases risk and severity for some forms of arthritis, particularly RA. Quitting smoking can improve long-term outcomes. Remaining physically active and prioritizing restful sleep also supports overall health.

Self-Management Education

CDC-recognized arthritis management programs and self-management education (including pain-coping skills and problem-solving strategies) have proven to be effective in reducing pain and improving function.

When to Seek Medical Help

Caregivers should encourage medical evaluation when arthritis:

• Causes persistent or disabling pain
• Leads to notable joint swelling, redness, or warmth
• Results in limited mobility or difficulty performing daily tasks
• Is accompanied by fever, weight loss, or fatigue (possible inflammatory arthritis)
• Occurs suddenly after injury

Healthcare professionals, particularly rheumatologists, can diagnose specific arthritis types and tailor therapy plans.

Coping with Daily Life and Emotional Support

Arthritis affects more than joints. It influences mood, daily routines, and social participation. Many individuals with arthritis report feelings of frustration or depression related to ongoing pain or mobility limitations. Caregivers can support emotional well-being by:

• Encouraging participation in enjoyable, joint-friendly activities
• Connecting loved ones with support groups
• Communicating openly about pain, mood changes, or treatment responses
• Prioritizing self-care for both caregiver and care recipient

Conclusion

Living with arthritis as an older adult can be challenging, but it’s far from hopeless. With current therapies, lifestyle adjustments, physical activity, and mindful nutrition, many people manage their arthritis symptoms effectively and maintain fulfilling lives.

At LL Medico, arthritis isn’t something that we can specifically work with, although we do offer solutions for some of its aspects. For instance, we stock a range of medications for pain relief and assistive devices for mobility issues. And let’s not forget our primary product line for over 30 years, adult diapers. Call us today at (855) 422-4556 or email support@llmedico.com to discuss how we can assist you.

As Helen Keller once said, “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.” With informed caregiving and compassionate support, your loved one can overcome daily challenges and preserve mobility, dignity, and quality of life.