How to deal with joint pain after 60

How to deal with joint pain after 60

Part 1: Understanding joint pain in old age

1. Age changes and joints:

   • Cartilage: Cartilage, shocking the fabric between the bones in the joints, naturally wears out with age. It becomes thinner, less elastic and more prone to damage. This process can lead to a decrease in depreciation and an increase in friction between bones, which causes pain and stiffness. It is important to understand that the degree of wear of the cartilage varies from person to person and depends on genetics, lifestyle and previous injuries.
   • Synovial fluid: The synovial fluid lubricating the joints also decreases and becomes less viscous with age. This reduces the ability of the joint easily and smoothly move, increasing the risk of friction and inflammation.
   • Blues and tendons: The ligaments (connecting bones) and tendons (connecting muscles with bones) lose their elasticity and strength with age. This makes the joints less stable and more susceptible to injuries, such as stretching and dislocations. In addition, the deterioration of blood supply to the ligaments and tendons complicates their healing after damage.
   • Muscles: With age, there is a loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia), which reduces joint support and increases the load on them. Weak muscles also less effectively amortize blows, which contributes to the development of joint pain.
   • Bone fabric: The bone density decreases with age (osteoporosis), which increases the risk of fractures, especially in joints, such as hip and knee. Fractures can lead to chronic pain and disability.

2. Common causes of joint pain in the elderly:

   • Osteoarthritis (OA): The most common cause of joint pain in old age. OA is characterized by progressive destruction of cartilage in the joints. It often affects the joints that carry weight, such as knees, hips and spine, as well as joints of the arms and fingers. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, crunch in the joint, limitation of mobility and sometimes swelling. The risk of OA increases with age, obesity, genetic predisposition and previous joint injuries.
   • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): Autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks its own joint tissue. RA causes inflammation of the joints, pain, stiffness, edema and destruction of the joints. It usually affects many joints symmetrically (for example, both hands or both knees). Ra can also hit other organs, such as the heart, lungs and eyes. Diagnosis of RA requires laboratory research and consultation of a rheumatologist.
   • Gout: The type of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints. Gout often affects the thumb of the leg, but can also hit other joints. Symptoms include sudden, severe pain, redness, edema and soreness in the affected joint. The risk of gout increases with age, obesity, alcohol, some drugs and foods rich in purins (for example, red meat and seafood).
   • Bursit: Inflammation of the brush – a filled pillow with a liquid, which softens the bones, tendons and muscles around the joints. Bursis often affects the shoulder, thigh, knee and elbow. Symptoms include pain, soreness and limitation of mobility in the affected joint. Bursitis can be caused by repeating movements, injuries, infections or other diseases such as arthritis.
   • Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendon – tissue connecting the muscle to the bone. Tendinite often affects the shoulder, elbow, wrist and knee. Symptoms include pain, soreness and weakness in the affected tendon. Tendinite can be caused by repeating movements, overvoltage or injuries.
   • Volchanka: Autoimmune disease that can affect many organs, including joints. The lupus causes inflammation, pain, stiffness and edema in the joints. Other symptoms of lupus can include fatigue, leather rash, fever and hair loss.
   • Fibromyalgia: Chronic pain syndrome, characterized by common pain in muscles and joints, fatigue, sleep and mood disorders. Fibromyalgia does not cause inflammation or damage to the joints, but can significantly reduce the quality of life.
   • Pseudo -Podagra: A disease that looks like a gout, but caused by the accumulation of calcium pyrophosphate crystals in the joints. Pseudo -prodagra often affects the knee, but can also affect other joints. Symptoms include sudden, severe pain, redness, edema and soreness in the affected joint.
   • Infections: In rare cases, joint pain can be caused by infections such as septic arthritis (joint infection) or lime disease. Septic arthritis requires immediate treatment with antibiotics.

3. Risk factors for the development of joint pain:

   • Age: The risk of developing many types of arthritis, including OA and RA, increases with age.
   • Floor: Women often suffer from RA, lupus and fibromyalgia than men.
   • Genetics: A genetic predisposition plays a role in the development of some types of arthritis, especially RA and OA.
   • Obesity: Excessive weight creates an additional load on the joints, especially on the knees and hips, which increases the risk of OA development.
   • Injuries: Previous joint injuries, such as fractures, dislocations and stretching, increase the risk of OA development in the future.
   • Repeating movements: Repeating movements or professions, requiring a long stay in uncomfortable poses, can lead to the development of Bursite, tendinitis and other joint problems.
   • Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of developing RA and other autoimmune diseases.
   • Inal meals: The lack of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin D and calcium, can worsen the health of bones and joints.
   • Sedentary lifestyle: The lack of physical activity leads to weakening of the muscles that support the joints and increases the risk of developing joint pain.

Part 2: Diagnosis of joint pain

1. Anamnesis collection and physical examination:

   • Medical history: The doctor will ask in detail the symptoms (nature, localization, pain intensity, time of occurrence, factors that enhance or reduce pain), diseases (the presence of arthritis in relatives, previous injuries, diseases), drugs taken and lifestyle.
   • Physical examination: The doctor will examine the joints for the presence of edema, redness, deformation and soreness. He will also evaluate the range of joint movements (how far it is possible to bend and bend it), the stability of the joint and the presence of crepitus (crystal) during movement. The doctor can also check the strength of the muscles around the joint and conduct a neurological examination to exclude other causes of pain.

2. Instrumental diagnostic methods:

   • Radiography: It is used to identify changes in bones, such as narrowing of the joint gap, the formation of bone spurs (osteophytes) and bone damage characteristic of osteoarthritis. X -ray can also help exclude fractures and other injuries.
   • Magnetic resonance tomography (MRI): It provides a more detailed image of the soft tissues surrounding the joint, such as cartilage, ligaments, tendons and muscles. MRI is used to diagnose cartilage damage, ruptures of ligaments, tendinitis, bursitis and other problems with soft tissues.
   • Computed tomography (CT): It can be used to evaluate complex fractures or when an MRI is contraindicated (for example, in the presence of a pacemaker).
   • Ultrasound examination (ultrasound): It is used to evaluate soft tissues, such as tendons and brush. Ultrasound can help identify tendonitis, bourris and the presence of fluid in the joint. Ultrasound can also be used to injure drugs in the joint under the control of the image.

3. Laboratory research:

   • General blood test (UAC): Used to identify signs of inflammation or infection.
   • The rate of settlement of red blood cells (ESR) and C-reactive protein (SRB): Markers of inflammation that can be increased in RA and other inflammatory diseases.
   • The rheumatoid factor (RF) and antibodies to the cyclic citrollinized peptide (ACCP): Antibodies, often found in people with RA.
   • Urine acid analysis: Used to diagnose gout.
   • Analysis of synovial fluid: A fluid taken from the joint can be examined to identify signs of infection, inflammation, uric acid crystals (with gout) or calcium pyrophosphate crystals (with pseudo -dodge).
   • Analysis for antinuclear antibodies (ANA): Used to diagnose lupus and other autoimmune diseases.

4. Differential diagnosis:

   • It is important to exclude other diseases that can cause joint pain, such as:
     • Infections: Septic arthritis, Lyme disease.
     • Autoimmune diseases: Volcan, scleroderma.
     • Malignant tumors: Metastases in the bone.
     • Bone diseases: Osteoporosis, osteomyelitis.
     • Neurological diseases: Neuropathy, radiculopathy.
     • Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels.

Part 3: methods of treating joint pain

1. Medication:

   • Painkillers:
     • Paracetamol (acetaminophen): Anesthetic that helps reduce pain, but does not have an anti -inflammatory effect. Suitable for mild and moderate pain. It is important to follow the recommended dosage in order to avoid damage to the liver.
     • Nonsteroidal anti -inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Ibuprofen, steady, diclofenac, coacoxib. They have an anesthetic and anti -inflammatory effect. Side effects can cause, such as stomach irritation, ulcers, an increase in blood pressure and kidney problems. It should be used with caution and under the supervision of a doctor, especially in people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, heart and kidneys. Coacoxib (COXIB) is less harmful to the stomach than other NSAIDs, but can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
     • Opioid analgesics: Tramadol, codeine, morphine. Strong painkillers, which are prescribed only with severe pain, when other treatment methods are ineffective. They can cause side effects, such as constipation, drowsiness, nausea and dependence.
   • Corticosteroids: Prednisolone, methylprednizolon. Powerful anti -inflammatory drugs that can be taken inside (tablets) or administered directly into the joint (injections). With prolonged use, serious side effects can be caused, such as weight gain, increase in blood pressure, osteoporosis, increasing blood sugar and suppressing the immune system. Injections of corticosteroids to the joint can bring temporary relief of pain and inflammation, but their frequent repetition is not recommended.
   • Modifiers of the disease, anti -Russian drugs (DMARDS): Metotrexate, sulfasalazine, hydroxychlorokhin, leflunomide. Used to treat RA and other autoimmune diseases. They help slow down the progression of the disease and reduce inflammation. They require regular monitoring by a doctor due to possible side effects.
   • Biological preparations (FNO inhibitors, interleukin inhibitors): Infliximab, etorenercept, adalimumab, Golimumab, Cerentolyzumab Pegol, Tocilizumab, Rituximab. Used to treat RA and other autoimmune diseases when DMARDS is ineffective. They block specific substances in the immune system that cause inflammation. They require careful observation by a doctor due to increased risk of infections and other side effects.
   • Drugs for the treatment of gout:
     • Colscin: Used to stop spicy gout bouts.
     • Allopurinol and FIBUBUCTATA: They are used to reduce uric acid level in the blood and prevent future gout attacks.
     • Probenecide: Increases the excretion of uric acid from the body.
   • Chondroprotectors: Glucosamine and chondroitin. It is believed that they can help restore cartilage and reduce pain in osteoarthritis, although the effectiveness of these drugs still remains the subject of disputes.

2. Physiotherapy and exercise therapy:

   • Exercise: Special exercises aimed at strengthening the muscles around the joint, improving the range of movements and reducing pain.
     • Muscle strengthening exercises: Isometric exercises, weights with weights, exercises with an elastic tape.
     • Exercises for stretching: Improve the flexibility and range of joint movements.
     • Aerobic exercises: Walking, swimming, cycling – improve the general health and reduce joint pain. It is important to choose exercises that do not have a strong effect on the joints.
   • Heat and cold therapy:
     • Warm: The use of heat (heating pad, warm bath, hot shower) helps to relax muscles, reduce stiffness and pain.
     • Cold: The use of cold (a package with ice, cold compress) helps reduce inflammation and swelling.
   • Transcanated electroneurostimulation (Tens): The use of electrical impulses to stimulate nerves and reduce pain.
   • Ultrasound therapy: The use of sound waves to warm up tissues and reduce pain and inflammation.
   • Massage: Helps to relax muscles, improve blood circulation and reduce pain.
   • Ortez and rims: Used to support and stabilize the joints, reduce the load on them and reduce pain.

3. Auxiliary tools and devices:

   • Cane or walkers: They help reduce the load on the joints, especially on the knees and hips, and improve balance.
   • Orthes for knees and elbows: Provide the support and stabilization of the joints.
   • Special devices to facilitate everyday activity: Openings for cans, zero-knobs with long handles, devices for putting on socks and shoes.
   • Ergonomic workplace: Provides proper posture and reduces the load on the joints.

4. Alternative and additional treatment methods:

   • Iglowerie (acupuncture): Stimulation of certain points on the body using thin needles. It is believed that acupuncture helps to reduce pain and improve joint function.
   • Tai-chi and yoga: Slow, smooth movements, combining physical exercises, breathing exercises and meditation. Tai-chi and yoga can help improve flexibility, balance, strength and reduce pain and stress.
   • Diet:
     • Anti -inflammatory diet: The use of products rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids (for example, fish, olive oil, fruits, vegetables), and limiting products that cause inflammation (for example, red meat, treated foods, sugar).
     • Maintaining a healthy weight: Reducing overweight helps to reduce the load on the joints and reduce the pain.
     • Sufficient consumption of vitamin D and calcium: It is important for bone health.
   • Biologically active additives (dietary supplements): Kurkumin, Ginger, Boswellia. They have anti -inflammatory properties and can help reduce joint pain. It is important to consult a doctor before taking the dietary supplement.
   • Meditation and relaxation: They help to cope with stress and pain.
   • Aromatherapy: The use of essential oils (for example, lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus) to reduce pain and relaxation.

5. Surgical treatment:

   • Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive operation, in which a thin tube with a chamber (arthroscope) for examination and treatment of damage to cartilage, ligaments and other tissues is introduced into the joint.
   • Replacement of the joint (endoprosthetics): The surgical procedure in which the damaged joint is replaced by an artificial joint (endoprosthesis). Most often, knee and hip joints are replaced. Endoprosthetics can significantly reduce pain and improve joint function.
   • Osteotomy: The surgical procedure in which the bone is cut and rebuilt to change the load on the joint. It can be used to treat osteoarthritis of the knee joint.

Part 4: Self -help and control of pain

1. Life change change:

   • Regular physical activity: Maintain an active lifestyle, engage in exercises that do not have a strong impact on the joints (for example, walking, swimming, cycling).
   • Maintaining a healthy weight: Reducing overweight helps to reduce the load on the joints.
   • Correct posture: Follow the correct posture during sitting, standing and walking.
   • Using the right technique when lifting weights: Raise severity using the muscles of the legs, not the back.
   • Avoid repeating movements: If possible, avoid repeating movements that can aggravate the pain in the joints.
   • Organization of the workplace: Provide the ergonomic workplace to reduce the load on the joints.
   • Refusal of smoking: Smoking worsens the blood supply to the joints and increases the risk of RA.

2. Pain management at home:

   • Heat and cold therapy: Use heat or cold depending on the symptoms.
   • Rest: Provide a sufficient vacation for the joints.
   • Using auxiliary means: Use a cane, walkers, orthosis and other devices to reduce the load on the joints.
   • Regular medication: Take medications prescribed by the doctor in accordance with the instructions.
   • Maintaining a diary: Write down when pain occurs, what causes it and that helps to reduce it. This will help the doctor better understand your problem and choose the optimal treatment.
   • Relaxation techniques: Use relaxation techniques, such as meditation, breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation to cope with stress and pain.

3. Psychological support:

   • Appeal to a psychologist or psychotherapist: Chronic pain can lead to depression, anxiety and other emotional problems. A psychologist or a psychotherapist can help you cope with these problems.
   • Support groups: Joining the support group where you can communicate with other people suffering from joint pain can help you feel less single and get valuable information and support.
   • The development of positive thinking: Try to maintain a positive attitude and focus on what you can do, and not on what you can’t.
   • Setting realistic goals: Do not set too high goals that can lead to disappointment.
   • Self -suffering: Be kind to yourself and remember that it is not easy to cope with chronic pain.

4. Prevention of injuries:

   • Heating before physical activity: Always warm up the muscles before physical activity to reduce the risk of injuries.
   • Using the right technique: Use the right technique when performing exercises and other physical exertion.
   • Avoid overstrain: Do not overstrain the joints.
   • Wear comfortable shoes: Wear comfortable shoes with good foot support.
   • Prevent falls: Take measures to prevent falls, such as the use of handrails in the bathroom and toilet, installing non -slip mats and good lighting in the house.
   • Regular examinations at the doctor: Regularly visit a doctor for preventive examinations and timely detection and treatment of joint problems.

5. When to see a doctor:

   • Strong pain that does not pass after home treatment.
   • A sudden pain in the joint, which is not associated with the injury.
   • Edema, redness and increase in temperature in the joint.
   • Limiting mobility in the joint.
   • The appearance of other symptoms such as fever, fatigue or skin rash.
   • Deterioration of condition, despite treatment.

Part 5: joint pain prevention

1. Maintaining a healthy weight:

   • Excessive weight creates an additional load on the joints, especially on the knees and hips, which increases the risk of osteoarthritis. Weight loss even by several kilograms can significantly reduce pain and improve the function of the joints.
   • To maintain a healthy weight, it is necessary to observe a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, and regularly engage in physical activity.

2. Regular physical activity:

   • Physical exercises help strengthen the muscles around the joints, improve their stability and reduce the load on them.
   • It is important to choose exercises that do not have a strong impact on the joints, such as walking, swimming, cycling and tai-chi.
   • It is recommended to engage in moderate physical activity of at least 150 minutes a week or intensive physical activity of at least 75 minutes a week.
   • It is also important to include exercises to strengthen muscles and stretching in the training program.

3. Proper nutrition:

   • A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, low -fat protein and healthy fats is necessary for the health of bones and joints.
   • It is important to get enough vitamin D and calcium that are necessary for bone health.
   • Some products, such as fish, olive oil, fruits and vegetables, have anti -inflammatory properties and can help reduce joint pain.
   • The consumption of products that cause inflammation, such as red meat, treated foods and sugar, should be limited.

4. Prevention of injuries:

   • Joint injuries, such as fractures, dislocations and stretching, increase the risk of osteoarthritis in the future.
   • It is important to take measures to prevent injuries, such as:
     • Heating before physical activity.
     • The use of the correct technique in performing exercises and other physical exertion.
     • Wearing protective equipment during sports.
     • Prevention of falls.
     • The use of the right technique when lifting weights.

5. Correct posture:

   • Proper posture helps evenly distribute the load on the joints and reduce the risk of joint pain in the joints.
   • Follow the correct posture during sitting, standing and walking.
   • Regularly perform exercises to strengthen the muscles of the back and abdomen.

6. Ergonomic workplace:

   • Provide the ergonomic workplace to reduce the load on the joints.
   • Adjust the height of the chair and the table so that your hands and wrists are in a neutral position.
   • Use the foot stand to reduce the load on the knees.
   • Take regular breaks to stretch the muscles and joints.

7. Regular examinations at the doctor:

   • Regularly visit a doctor for preventive examinations and timely detection and treatment of joint problems.
   • Timely treatment of arthritis and other joint diseases can help slow down the progression of the disease and prevent the development of disability.

8. Refusal of smoking:

   • Smoking worsens the blood supply to the joints and increases the risk of rheumatoid arthritis.
   • Refusal of smoking is an important step to maintain joint health.

Part 6: new studies and treatment prospects

1. Target therapy:

   • New drugs aimed at specific molecules involved in inflammation and destruction of cartilage are developed for the treatment of arthritis.
   • These drugs can be more effective and have less side effects than traditional treatment methods.

2. Gene therapy:

   • Gene therapy is a promising method of treating arthritis, which consists in changing the genetic material of cells in order to reduce inflammation and stimulate the restoration of cartilage.
   • Gene therapy is in the early stages of development, but has a great potential for treating arthritis in the future.

3. Cell therapy:

   • Cell therapy is a treatment method that consists in using the body’s own cells to restore damaged tissues, including cartilage.
   • Cell therapy, such as stem cells, showed promising results in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

4. Development of new materials for endoprostheses:

   • Researchers are developing new materials for endoprostheses, which will be more durable, durable and biocompatible.
   • New materials can improve the results of endoprosthetics and extend the life of artificial joints.

5. Robotized surgery:

   • Robotized surgery is a method of conducting operations using robotic systems.
   • Robotized surgery can increase the accuracy and safety of operations to replace joints and other surgical procedures on the joints.

6. Artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnosis and treatment:

   • AI is used to analyze medical images, such as x -rays and MRI, to identify signs of arthritis in the early stages.
   • AI is also used to develop personalized treatment plans for arthritis based on individual characteristics of the patient.

7. New visualization methods:

   • New visualization methods are developed, such as tomography of delayed gadolinium cartilage visualization (DGemric) and tomography of slow sodium (NAT), for a more accurate assessment of the condition of the cartilage and identify the early signs of its damage.
   • These methods can help doctors better understand the progression of arthritis and develop more effective treatment strategies.

8. Microobots for drug delivery:

   • Microobots are tiny robots that can be introduced into the body for the delivery of drugs directly to the place of inflammation in the joint.
   • This technology is in the early stages of development, but has great potential to improve the effectiveness of arthritis.

Part 7: Legal and social aspects

1. Access to medical care:

   • It is important to ensure equal access to medical care for all elderly people suffering from joint pain, regardless of their financial position and place of residence.
   • This includes access to specialist doctors, physiotherapy, drugs and other types of treatment.

2. Social support:

   • Elderly people suffering from joint pain need social support from the family, friends and society.
   • This includes assistance in performing everyday tasks, emotional support and the opportunity to participate in social life.

3. Employment:

   • Elderly people suffering from joint pain may experience difficulties with employment.
   • It is important to create conditions for them to continue to work by adapting the workplace and providing them with the necessary auxiliary means.

4. Insurance:

   • It is important to have adequate medical insurance, which covers the costs of treating joint pain.
   • It is necessary to familiarize yourself with the terms of the insurance policy and make sure that it covers all the necessary types of treatment.

5. Patient rights:

   • Elderly people suffering from joint pain are entitled to receive quality medical care, respectful attitude and informed consent to treatment.
   • It is important to know your rights and defend them.

6. Benefits and social programs:

   • There are various benefits and social programs that can help older people suffering from joint pain.
   • You need to learn about available programs and apply for benefits.

7. Education and awareness:

   • It is important to increase the public awareness of pain in the joints and methods of their prevention and treatment.
   • This includes the dissemination of information through the media, social networks and educational programs.

8. Scientific research:

   • It is necessary to maintain scientific research in the field of joint pain in order to develop new and more effective methods of treatment.
   • Financing scientific research is an important step to improve the quality of life of older people suffering from joint pain.

This comprehensive article provides an in-depth exploration of managing joint pain after 60, covering causes, diagnosis, treatments, self-help strategies, prevention methods, new research, and social/legal considerations. It aims to be informative, practical, and empowering for readers seeking to understand and address this common age-related issue. The absence of an introduction and conclusion ensures that every word contributes directly to the core topic.