Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of many different kinds of arthritis.
It is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues in joints. Over time the bones in the joints can be damaged to the point that it causes deformity. Receiving treatment early on in the disease can help older adults to stave off deformity and disability for longer. When you know some of the early signs of RA, you might be able to spot it sooner, so that your older family member can get to the doctor sooner. Below are 5 signs that indicate a senior may have RA.
#1: Fatigue
Many people experience fatigue, a persistent feeling of extreme tiredness, before they start to have symptoms in their joints. Fatigue may begin months before other symptoms. When an older adult is fatigued, they may not have the energy they need to complete their regular daily tasks or spend time doing activities they enjoy.
#2: Early Morning Stiffness
RA can cause seniors to feel stiff when they wake up in the morning. Unlike other kinds of arthritis where morning stiffness lasts only a few minutes, the stiffness of RA can last for hours. Long lasting stiffness is a common symptom of inflammation. Stiffness may also occur when the older adult sits still for a long period of time or after a nap.
#3: Fever
A low-grade fever under 100 degrees Fahrenheit can be a symptom of RA caused by the inflammation. They might also feel just sick in general. Fever commonly occurs before joint symptoms do. However, if the senior has a temperature higher than 100 degrees, it is more likely to be caused by an infection and not RA.
#4: Painful Small Joints
When RA symptoms do start in the joints, they usually start in the smaller joints, such as those in the fingers and toes. The joints may feel painful, appear a little red, and be warm and tender to the touch.
#5: Unplanned Weight Loss
RA can cause seniors to lose weight even when they are not trying to. That’s because the fever and pain that comes with the disease can make them feel unwell, which affects appetite.
If your aging relative has RA, elder care can help them to live more comfortably with the disease and manage the symptoms. An elder care provider can remind them to take the medications prescribed by the doctor to keep pain and other symptoms under control. Elder care providers can also help to ease the pain of RA by preparing hot or cold packs and helping the senior to apply them. Elder care providers can also allow the older adult to rest while they assist with household chores, such as cleaning and laundry.
For more information about hiring Senior Care in Coronado, CA, call the friendly caregivers at La Jolla Nurses Homecare who can help your aging parents remain in their own homes, at 858-454-9339. We are a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in La Jolla, CA, and the surrounding communities.
Sources
Medicalnewstoday.com
Healthline.com
Mayoclinic.org
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