Fortunately, there's a lot you can do to minimize the symptoms of osteoarthritis and reduce the risk of painful falls.
Osteoarthritis is a condition where the cartilage that cushions your joints becomes inflamed and wears away. Ultimately, you may experience bone-on-bone contact, something that causes a dull ache and intense pain if you bump or shock the joint. A secondary condition is the growth of bony Heberden's nodes around the finger joints that cause pain, stiffness and an inability to fully flex your fingers.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that causes affected joints to slowly deteriorate. It commonly targets the small joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine. The combined effects of pain, damage to load-bearing joints, a lack of confidence and, in some instances, medication can alter your balance and increase the risk of falls.
When you have a painful joint, it's natural to favor it by not putting too much pressure on it. This means the rest of the body takes the load, and this can influence your balance and lead to a risk of falling if you step on uneven ground or stumble over something. According to the Arthritis Foundation, seniors with osteoarthritis in one lower joint have a 53% higher risk of a fall, while osteoarthritis in two lower joints increases the risk to 74%.
Another factor that may contribute to a fall is decreased joint function. This is often worsened by the natural loss of body strength as seniors age. Also, your hands lose their strength, which may affect their ability to hold on tightly.
Many seniors develop a lack of confidence following a fall and cut down on their physical activities for fear of experiencing an additional fall or injury. Unfortunately, this means they tend to get weaker and become more prone to further falls or injuries.
Some medications, especially prescription opioid pain medications, may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Studies show these medications may also increase the risk of falls.
Falls aren't inevitable, and there are many things you can do to reduce the risk of a fall and possible injury. These include a fall assessment, strength and balance exercises, wearing the right shoes and using assistive devices.
A fall assessment is an analysis of your physical condition to determine the risk of having a fall. The CDC recommends all seniors over 65 should have a yearly STEADI fall assessment from their primary care provider.
Exercise is a crucial factor in fall prevention, and walking is an excellent way to improve balance and increase body strength. For those who find walking uncomfortable or impractical, there are numerous other exercises for seniors with arthritis, such as our half-hour morning exercises and the Sit and Be Fit exercises sessions.
Always wear supportive shoes. Look for ones with low heels and rubber soles that can grip wet and slippery surfaces. Avoid high heels or shoes with a raised platform, as this may adversely affect your balance.
Use grab bars and rails to steady yourself when showering, climbing steps or accessing ramps. A cane or walking stick can also help when walking on uneven ground. If your osteoarthritis is severe, consider a rollator with a built-in seat or a walker. Speak to one of our licensed nurses or therapists for advice.
The goal of medication is to make you as comfortable as possible without limiting mobility or increasing the risk of a fall. Some medications are available over the counter, although a physician must prescribe others. Alternatives include:
There's much you can do to reduce the risk of falls when you have osteoarthritis. These include keeping fit, paying attention to your joint health and taking sensible precautions such as using a walking stick, cane, grab handles or a rollator.
