It is estimated that 46 million Americans are suffering from arthritis.  With over 100 medical conditions associated with arthritis, the cost of medical care and the indirect expenses (lost wages, loss of productivity) is more than $124 billion a year. (www.arthritis.org)   Since May is Arthritis Awareness Month, it is the perfect time to address this condition and how it affects seniors.

Arthritis, in it's basic form, is the inflammation of joints.  The area where 2 bones meet become damaged do to wear and tear (osteoarthritis) or a result of the body's immune syustem attacing the area (rheumatoid arthritis). Though osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and usaully only strikes people over 60, both types have similar symptoms and cause pain for the afflicted.  The common symptoms are:
*PAIN
*STIFFNESS
*SWELLING
*REDNESS
*DECREASED RANGE OF MOTION

While other types of arthritis can cause such problems as:          
*FEVER
*FATIGUE
*RASH
*WEIGHT LOSS
*BREATHING PROBLEMS
*DRY EYES/MOUTH
*NIGHT SWEATS

It is agreed in the health care community that exercise is very important in the treatment of arthritis.  A select group of low-impact exercises have been designed. Their purpose is to increase the range of motion in the joints and to strengthen the muscle tissue surrounding the joint.  Both of which help to alleviate and stiffness.  It is also suggested that warming the joints before exercising and icing them down afterward, also prevents the swelling and additional pain that occur from use.  The Arthritis Foundation has a program where caregivers, such as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), can become certified in "arthtritis helpful" exercises.  They are trained to guide patients/residents, who are afflicted with arthritis, through a series of workouts to increase the range of motion of their joints and to build the surrounding muscles to prevent any further damage or pain.  It can become easy for someone with arthritis to slow down and avoid movements that cause them pain.  For example, someone has arthritis in their knees so they become sedentary and only walk when they absolutely have to.  This will make the knees become stiff and sore.  It also allows the muscle tissue to weaken to the point where it can no longer support the bones in the joint.  This causes even more pain and discomfort.  Therefore it is important to maintain a regular exercise routine. Of course, it is awlays important that everyone consults their physician or caregiver before attempting any new exercises.
Sycamore Village has two Arthritis Foundation certified staff members.  One of these is Paula Sronce, a CNA and a team leader.  She has been trained and certified as an Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program Leader. Sycamore Village holds daily classes to help keep the residents fit.  This helps to proivde a more independent lifestyle.  The Arthritis Foundatin certified program leaders also provide classes to the general public.  If you or your group are interested in these helpful programs, contact Sycamore Village at 618-222-2571 to set up a class.