| In the United States, arthritis affects more than 46 | | | | - Accidental injuries-such as a dislocated joint, a bad |
| million people. By the year 2030, as the "baby | | | | sprain or a fracture-can lead to arthritis. |
| boomers" get older, this number is expected to climb | | | | - Sports-related injuries can cause arthritis. |
| to 60 million! With numbers like that, it's a safe bet that | | | | Lifestyle |
| your nursing assistants provide care to clients with | | | | - Poor nutrition may be a factor in the development of |
| arthritis. But, do your CNAs know that arthritis is not a | | | | arthritis. |
| normal part of aging and what they can do to help | | | | - Years of poor posture or lack of exercise can |
| clients who suffer from arthritis? Here is some | | | | contribute to arthritis. |
| information to help get a discussion going about arthritis | | | | Because arthritis affects so many people, it's likely that |
| at your next CNA inservice meeting. | | | | at least half of your clients are affected by the |
| The Aches & Pains of Arthritis | | | | disease. They are forced to learn how to manage |
| "Oh, my aching joints!" You've probably heard many of | | | | their everyday lives while dealing with this painful, |
| your clients make that complaint. In fact, you may have | | | | chronic condition. So, what's the good news? You can |
| said it yourself! | | | | help! |
| Aching joints are one of the main symptoms of | | | | A Dozen Tips for Helping Clients Manage Arthritis |
| arthritis. (This makes sense since the word "arthritis" | | | | 1. Keep in mind that if you hear popping, clicking or |
| comes from two Greek words that mean "joint" and | | | | banging noises when your clients move their joints, |
| "inflammation".) But, did you know that...? | | | | they may have osteoarthritis. And, if you hear a sound |
| - There are over 100 different types of arthritis. Some | | | | like crinkling plastic wrap when they move their joints, |
| forms of the disease are mild and some can be very | | | | they may have rheumatoid arthritis. |
| serious. | | | | 2. Remember that some days are better than others |
| - Some types of arthritis affect the whole body-not | | | | for people with arthritis. Don't be surprised if your |
| just the joints. | | | | clients can function pretty well one day and need lots |
| - Most forms of arthritis are chronic...meaning that there | | | | of help the next. |
| is no cure and they last a lifetime. | | | | 3. Check the fit of your clients' shoes. Remember that |
| - Half of the people over age 65 report symptoms of | | | | people's feet can change size as they age. If shoes |
| arthritis. | | | | are too small, they will put pressure on sensitive joints. |
| Isn't Arthritis Just Part of Getting Older? | | | | If shoes are too large, they put your client at risk for |
| You might be thinking that arthritis is just a normal part | | | | falling. |
| of aging. So, what's the big deal? Shouldn't we all just | | | | 4. Remind your clients to change position frequently. |
| expect to have aching joints as we get older? | | | | This includes the position of their jaw, neck, hands, |
| Well...some forms of arthritis do come from wear and | | | | shoulders, arms, hips, legs, back and feet. Encourage |
| tear on the joints. And, the older we get, the more our | | | | them to stretch any area that feels tense or stiff. |
| joints tend to wear down. However, there are a | | | | 5. Keep in mind that people with arthritis may find it |
| couple of important points to remember about arthritis: | | | | easier to climb stairs one at a time, leading with their |
| - Nearly two out of every three people with arthritis | | | | stronger leg. |
| are younger than age 65. | | | | 6. Remind your clients to use the strongest joint |
| - Some elderly people never develop arthritis. | | | | possible to complete a task. For example, rather than |
| - There are many young adults who are diagnosed | | | | open a door with their arthritic hand, they can push it |
| with arthritis. In fact, over 8 million Americans under the | | | | open with a shoulder instead. |
| age of 44 have arthritis. | | | | 7. Encourage your clients with arthritis to sit in chairs |
| - Some forms of arthritis appear to be caused by | | | | with arms so they can push on the arms when getting |
| viruses, bacteria or genetic defects-rather than by | | | | up. |
| wear and tear on aging joints. | | | | 8. Be sure to balance periods of exercise and activity |
| - Most people over 60 show signs of arthritis on their | | | | with periods of rest. |
| X-rays, but many of them have no symptoms of the | | | | 9. Remember that some of your clients may have |
| disease. | | | | specially made splints to help keep their joints in the |
| What Causes Arthritis? | | | | correct position and reduce pain. Your clients may |
| The exact causes of arthritis remain a mystery. | | | | need help putting on and taking off these splints. |
| However, there seems to be three main factors that | | | | 10. Remind your clients to use proper posture. This |
| play a role in the development of arthritis. These | | | | helps prevent additional joint damage. (And, keep in |
| include: | | | | mind that slouching actually requires more energy than |
| Genetic Factors | | | | sitting up straight!) |
| - There seems to be a genetic link for developing | | | | 11. Encourage your clients to use any self-help devices |
| osteoarthritis, especially in the joints of the hands. | | | | they may have to help them bathe, dress or eat. If |
| Some people are born with defective cartilage which | | | | they don't know how to use a particular assistive |
| tends to break down easily. | | | | device, let your supervisor know. |
| Accidents, Injuries & Illness | | | | 12. Be sure to let your supervisor know if a client has |
| - Some types of arthritis may be due to bacterial | | | | pain, stiffness or swelling in or around a joint. |
| infections. | | | | For a more comprehensive review of arthritis, consider |
| - People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing | | | | presenting the inservice, Understanding Arthritis to your |
| some forms of arthritis. | | | | nursing assistants. |