by mobilityplus | 30th Oct, 2019 | Arthritis
Living with arthritis can be a painful experience. Not only may you feel physically limited, but it can also contribute to negative emotions. With that in mind, it’s important to know that there are ways to help alleviate the symptoms and better your quality of life.
The key is knowing the truths about arthritis. Often, it’s a misunderstood condition, but the better informed you are, the more equipped you’ll be to get the most out of each day. To help, here’s a rundown on the common myths around the condition, and the facts everyone should know.
What is arthritis?
Did you know that arthritis us one of the most common health conditions in the world? So, to say you’re not alone is an understatement. It affects approximately 10 million people in the UK of all ages, although it usually becomes apparent in people over 40.
So, if you’re 65 or over, you’re certainly not in the minority in suffering from arthritis. If you’re not sure whether you have arthritis or not, some common signs include:
- Joint stiffness, often in the wrists, hands, and knees
- Unexplained fatigue
- Swelling or pain in the joints
- A general sense of onset illness
If you’re concerned about any of these symptoms, the first step is to visit your GP, rheumatologist or orthopedic specialist. They’ll usually conduct a physical examination and a health evaluation, which will consist of a series of questions. You may also be referred for an X-ray.
Myths on arthritis
Perhaps one of the most unhelpful things around arthritis, are the myths that come hand-in-hand with it. Debunking those and getting clued up on the facts is the fastest route to finding both curable treatments and developing coping methods for day-to-day life.
Here are just some of the most commons myths, and the real picture behind them:
- It only affects old people – arthritis can affect people of all ages. There are different types of arthritis, some of which are more prevalent in specific groups. But it can affect anyone from children to older people.
- Wet, cold climates aggravate it – despite the long-standing myth that weather triggers arthritis, it’s actually more about creating warmth, which can be soothing. You can do this with a warm bath or shower. Or even a hot water bottle.
- Diet affects it – arthritis isn’t a condition caused by poor diet. Likewise, healthy eaters aren’t immune to arthritis. That said, it’s always good to watch your diet and eat well. By looking into different food options, you can modify your diet for the better.
- It’s curable – Unfortunately, there isn’t a cure for arthritis. That doesn’t mean the picture is bleak, however. There are many ways to manage it to slow the onset and relieve pain.
- Perceptions of whether you look good, or doomed! – if you have arthritis, you may face opinions on how well you look from others. In truth, sometimes you may look good while suffering from a general feeling of unwellness or fatigue. Or you may be visibly struggling, but that doesn’t mean that solutions aren’t out there.
Taking charge of arthritis
There are changes you can make to your lifestyle to help. Exercise is one useful way to improve arthritis. By finding a specific healthcare professional or a class specialising in arthritis-friendly movements, you can boost your mobility, health, and positivity.
You may also want to look into ways to adapt your home. By creating living spaces that aid you in your daily life, you’ll actively be boosting your independence.
Why we need to debunk the myths
Being informed, sharing your knowledge with those close to you, and finding ways to manage your arthritis are all important steps to improving your quality of life. Continuing to debunk the myths and opinions that come with arthritis is just part of it.
Ultimately, being honest with yourself and others in terms of what support you need, and finding ways to manage arthritis, you can take charge of your situation. In turn, it will increase your independence and boost your self-esteem.
by mobilityplus | 30th Oct, 2019 | Arthritis
We all do it every night and it’s critical to our health, but much of what we know about sleep is still a mystery. Whilst the world of sleep science is relatively small, it’s growing exponentially and the more we find out about the importance of sleep, the more people are starting to make a good night’s sleep a priority.
As well as increasing cognition, productivity and emotional resilience, good sleep also has endless health benefits including lowering the risk of Alzheimer’s, dementia, heart disease, stroke, depression and diabetes. Crucially, poor sleep lowers immunity and increases inflammation – two major causes of chronic health conditions today.
Sleep disturbances can be caused by several factors, but the most common is pain-related sleep loss. Dubbed ‘painsomnia’, the inability to sleep due to pain is all too common with those suffering from arthritis. The major difficulty appears to be the pain/sleep loss cycle which can occur if this is an ongoing problem.
Whilst feeling discomfort and pain in bed can prevent you from getting your recommended 8 hour’s sleep, the lack of sleep also reduces your pain threshold; meaning the more sleep you lose, the more overall pain you experience.
A major cause of pain for much of the population is often caused by arthritis. Several factors are at play when considering sleep and arthritis. Due to lower levels of cortisol at night, a hormone that controls inflammation, and issues with pooling of inflammatory chemicals in your joints when you lie down for long periods of time, the result is chronic pain and stiffness. Furthermore, because you are not busy with day-to-day tasks whilst you’re in bed, you are more likely to be aware of pain sensations.
Sleep better with your arthritis
Thankfully, there are many tweaks to your bedtime routine and daily lifestyle that can give you a better chance of getting the sleep your body needs to rest and repair.
1) Tweak the temperature
Finding the correct room temperature can be crucial for a good night’s sleep. Research now shows that sleeping in a warm room disrupts your sleep hormone melatonin and can prevent you from getting a restorative night’s kip. Sleep usually begins when our body temperature drops, so a colder room can encourage us to fall asleep faster.
2) Lower your lights
Once the sun goes down, our houses light up; but too many lights can trick our body’s sleep mechanisms and can prevent us from drifting off when we really need to. Using low lighting in your house in the evening, such as lamps or candlelight, and switching off screens and mobile phones give the body the right message that sleep is on its way.
3) Consider natural remedies
Boswellia Essential Oil (also known as Indian frankincense) is a potent supplement, which can help reduce inflammation and pain. It is so potent that it has proved in trials as powerful as common pain medications, without the side effects. A therapeutic-grade oil can be massaged directly into the skin over painful areas. Add to a carrier oil with some lavender essential oil, also known to promote sleep, and rubbed into the affected joint would be a lovely addition to a nighttime routine.
Turmeric has also been researched in dozens of studies, investigating anti-inflammatory and painkilling effects in relation to inflammatory conditions. Some potential effects of turmeric supplements when used with arthritis include; lowering of joint inflammation, reduction in swelling and slowed joint destruction.
4) Play with your pillows
Finding the most comfortable position in bed is essential to satisfying sleep when you are suffering from arthritic joints. Using a thin pillow or a neck roll can help keep your neck straighter if that’s where the pain is felt. Likewise using pillow wedges or tube pillows can help to prop up knees and arms to bring relief to other common joints.
Getting a good night’s sleep is vital to our health and wellbeing. Be it physical or mental benefits, ensuring the body is well rested can help us in a variety of ways, even more so for someone suffering from arthritis. Take a look at the quality of your sleep and see if you can find a way to improve it.
by mobilityplus | 11th Oct, 2019 | Arthritis
Living with arthritis can make day-to-day tasks, like cooking and communicating, more complicated and painful. But it doesn’t have to be the case. With simple home adjustments, you can make every day living easier.
Arthritis inflames your joints and can cause pain. It’s a common condition that can affect anyone: any gender and any age. Some of the most typical areas that arthritis occurs is in the hands, knees and spine.
Typing on your phone and reading a new book. These are common tasks that many of us take for granted. We spend hours of our time relishing in this pass time. Yet, for more than 10 million of us these common activities can leave us in unbearable pain.
It’s time to make a change. Taking control of your home technology can help you live more comfortably. Discover our essential tips to give your life the comfortable digital-makeover it deserves.
Changing Your Mobile Phone
There is often a misconception that the elderly is out of touch with technology. Yet in 2017, 39% of over 65s were using smartphones, and that number continues to rise. The device instils independence in individuals who might feel lonely or struggling to cope with an illness, like arthritis.
Having a mobile phone helps to stay in contact with the people you love and keep on top of the stories that you love. All on one piece of equipment. Yet, with technology advancing, companies are producing sleeker phones that are getting smaller and with even fewer buttons. For people with arthritis, this can be a challenge.
Yet, there are alternatives you might not be aware of. Some companies produce phones with large buttons, like the Doro 1360; lightweight phones like the LG K3; or a touch screen phone that comes with a stylus pen to ease your typing, like the Samsung Galaxy Note 8.
Switch Up Your Computer Setup
Arthritis can cause pain in your hands, which can make using the keyboard and mouse problematic. However, there are simple changes you can make for an easier, more enjoyable experience using a computer.
First, look at the positioning of your keyboard and mouse. You should keep them in close distance of you; avoid having to reach too far away.
If the distance and positioning isn’t an issue, and you’re still experiencing pain, you could try using a smaller keyboard or one with compact keys. There are also mouse alternatives: a wrist pen can help relief wrist pain, for example.
To really minimise your pain, try and restrict the amount of time you spend on the computer. Take regular breaks from the screen and exercise your hand muscles to keep the joints strong.
Start Reading Comfortably
Reading a new book can transport your mind to another place. Whether you’re discovering a new topic for the first time, delving into a mystery novel or uncovering the next destination for your family getaway, there’s a book for any occasion.
As we get older, reading can be a great way to pass time whilst exercising the brain. Living with arthritis can make a typically enjoyable experience painful. With weakened and swollen hand joints, holding a book can be tricky. Traditional paper books can be heavy to hold, and pain can incur after holding for too long. Instead, a digital alternative can be easier to hold and carry. Many come with stands, so you don’t have to hold them at all.
Get a Digital Companion
Ease your home living with a voice assisted home device. They can automate a lot of things around the house for more comfortable living. The straightforward voice technology can ease activities that would typically cause pain for someone with arthritis.
Your new digital pet, your personal butler; give the device a command, and it will instantly activate your request. Connect it to other applications or technologies for more seamless living. With a simple good morning hello, it can trigger your central heating to be set at your optimum, the main lights to illuminate and trigger an alert to remind you to take your medication
Digital can transform your day-to-day life. But just because you or someone you love is living with arthritis it doesn’t mean they should shy away from new technology or suffer in pain. Try our simple suggestions for a more convenient and comfortable living with the help of your home technologies. For more expert tips on easing life with arthritis, read our blog on exercises you can do to slow it down.
by mobilityplus | 22nd Aug, 2019 | Arthritis
Both mobility problems and memory lapses are commonly attributed to old age, almost as an inevitable part of the ageing process. In particular, arthritis and dementia are two conditions that tend to be linked to the older generation. Automatically making assumptions about these conditions can feel limiting if not rather depressing to anyone approaching retirement or looking after older relatives.
Rather than thinking of these health concerns as ticking time bombs, it’s useful to understand what these conditions are like, and how you can lessen their effects. With that in mind, we’ve taken inspiration from six well-known people suffering from either dementia or arthritis to see how they manage their day-to-day lives. Get ready to be inspired.
Terry Jones
Any comedy fan will recognise Monty Python’s Terry Jones as one of the funniest men of a generation. In 2015, Terry Jones was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) after a noticeable change in behaviour by his family.
Now, Terry Jones is a celebrity supporter of Alzheimer’s Research UK and has shared his story with major newspapers in the hopes of helping others. Unlike other forms of dementia, FTD doesn’t usually affect movement, but it does impact speech and social interactions. But Terry still walks miles, enjoys films, indulges in a drink or two, and loves seeing friends.
Kathleen Turner
Famous in the 1980s for movies like Romancing the Stone, Kathleen Turner was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 1992. She made her feelings on suffering from the condition public in her memoir, Send Yourself Roses.
She’s also an advocate for Pilates and other forms of exercise that can help with arthritis. Yoga is another way of balancing up relaxation with exercise, and it’s activities like this, which can be built up slowly and help you manage the condition.
Tiger Woods
Best known for his feats on the golf course, Tiger Woods is also an arthritis sufferer due to a number of back injuries he suffered over time. He attributed surgery to the initial cause of the condition, which in his case, is osteoarthritis.
There are many ways to combat arthritis, depending on the type you have. Tiger Woods is said to have PRP therapy to help him with his, but other options in occupational therapy and medication are also available.
Barbara Windsor
Many celebrities have been diagnosed with forms of dementia over the decades. But still, not many choose to speak out about it. One actress who decided to do just that was Barbara Windsor and her husband.
Although Barbara is struggling with the worsening symptoms of Alzheimer’s, her husband says that she is like her old self in the theatre, a place where she feels so at home. By understanding how to help someone feel like themselves when suffering from a disease like Alzheimer’s, you can make a positive impact.
Patrick Stewart
Thespian Patrick Stewart suffered from painful swelling of the joints in his hand due to arthritis. He made the headlines by claiming his support for medical marijuana in the form of a spray. At a glance, Patrick Stewart may not look like an obvious case for the condition. He is fit, healthy and in good shape for his years.
Staying healthy can certainly help to reduce the effects of conditions like arthritis. But if you or a relative are starting to exhibit warning signs like the stiffness of joints or unexplained fatigue, it’s wise to visit a doctor to get a health evaluation.
Robbie Williams
Last but certainly not least, singer Robbie Williams was diagnosed with arthritis in 2016. Proof that arthritis can affect people of all ages, tenderness, swelling and cracking joints are a common sign of the illness.
Aside from choosing an exercise that can help with your condition, and staying as active as possible, diet can contribute to your health too. By staying in shape and eating a balanced diet, you can help lessen the effects of arthritis. It’s also said that Mediterranean diets with higher omega-3 fatty acids can be beneficial.
by mobilityplus | 7th Jun, 2019 | Arthritis
As one of the most common types of health-related conditions in the UK, arthritis can quickly affect someone’s quality of life.
However, by staying active and looking after your joints later in life, there are many ways to prevent the onset of arthritis as we get older and measures that we can implement at home to improve our chances of remaining mobile.
What are the warning signs of arthritis?
Arthritis is a common problem that affects people all over the country. People tend to want to know what’s wrong when they experience joint swelling, stiffness, joint pain but also unexplained fatigue and a general sense of onset illness.
These symptoms should prompt you to consult a doctor and carry out an examination.
How is arthritis medically diagnosed?
A diagnosis is the first step towards improving arthritis. Health care providers will generally take a physical examination and ask you about your symptoms. Depending on the evaluation you’re looking for, you might opt to see a GP, a rheumatologist or an orthopaedic specialist.
The health evaluation
The evaluation should begin with a series of questions. These might include asking when the symptoms started, what’s the level of pain, when stiffness occurs and what currently relieves the pain.
You will be asked about your current, recent and past medical histories, such as whether your job requires long hours of standing or sitting, habits such as smoking, diet, sleep, and exercise.
You will also be asked about your family medical history, and whether any member suffers from any type of arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis – as this could play a role.
The physical examination
Doctors will need to physically examine your joints and will look for signs of swelling, stiffness or redness. If more than one joint is affected, they will count them and check whether there are any symmetrical patterns on both sides of the body. They will feel the joint for warmth or fluid, moving them back and forth to see the range of motion.
The doctor will then take the steps for a standard examination, including a temperature reading, a check for swollen glands, a reflex check and a look into the eyes and throat.
How long does it take to know the results?
Depending on the findings, they may need to use blood tests and an X-ray examination or imaging test to distinguish the type of arthritis that somebody has – as they differ from one to the next. For example, people with rheumatoid arthritis have particular antibodies in their blood and that needs to be identified, and osteoarthritis reveals a loss of bone and cartilage.
First, the doctor will eliminate possible problems besides arthritis. With more than 100 types of the condition, it is not always a straightforward process of diagnosis. It is also common that arthritic symptoms come and go intermittently.
If the diagnosis is not clear, but it is clear that there is some kind of inflammatory arthritis at work, doctors may prescribe treatment to bring down the inflammation. It is better to treat it sooner rather than later.
What options are there available for somebody who has arthritis?
While there are many options, the most common treatments include rest, occupational or physical therapy, drug prescriptions to reduce pain and inflammation, exercise and sometimes joint correcting surgery.
Newer treatments have been able to slow the progression of arthritic damage, and there are also a number of occupational therapies to future proof your home whilst staying healthy and preventing arthritic symptoms from worsening instead of opting immediately for surgery. For example, as the largest supplier of walk-in baths in the UK, we have a large range available to suit various needs and mobility issues.
The Hampton Elite walk-in bath is the lowest entry access modern walk-in bath in the UK, which is both stylish but also designed for optimal relaxation and comfort. It features an inbuilt seat with a contoured back, a chromotherapy light system, a hydrotherapy spa system and a slip-resistant base.
We advocate a healthy, active lifestyle to carry us into old age with ease. It is easy to slip into a sedentary lifestyle, but with a few small changes, you can help prevent the effect of joint pain and arthritis.
by mobilityplus | 7th Nov, 2018 | Arthritis
Arthritis affects more people than you may think, but it isn’t always easy to spot.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition that affects the movement of joints. It describes a pain or swelling in certain areas – typically the hands, spine, knees and hips – that makes everyday tasks more of a struggle. In some cases, joints are so stiff and painful that even the most basic activities become impossible.
When the hands are affected, arthritis can prevent people from writing, fastening buttons, lifting a kettle and opening food containers. In the hips or knees, it can restrict mobility, making it harder to walk, climb stairs, bathe and drive a car.
Around 10 million people in the UK are thought to have arthritis. It’s most common among older people, but both men and women can start to develop symptoms in their 40s. It’s found in younger people, too.
Here are some of the most common signs you should look out for at any age.
What are the common signs of arthritis?
- Stiff joints. A tell-tale early sign is stiffness in your joints, which can make movement more difficult than usual. your immune system mistakenly sends antibodies to the lining of your joints, where they attack the tissue surrounding the joint, causing swelling and manage to ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and bone.
- Painful joints. Joint stiffness is often followed by joint tenderness during movement or even while resting. The fingers and wrists are the most common parts of the body to experience this kind of pain.
- Red and warm joints. In some cases, skin over inflamed joints can appear red and be warm to the touch.
- Numbness and tingling. In some variations of arthritis, the pressure on your nerves created from the inflamed joints can create an uncomfortable tingling feeling.
- Strained muscles. Muscles overcompensating for sore joints can also become strained, causing further pain.
Can arthritis affect you in other ways?
It’s clear arthritis can affect you physically, causing restricted movement and soreness. But, there are other potential side-effects, too.
In more severe cases, the pain caused by arthritis can make you feel nauseous, causing loss of appetite and weight loss.
The condition can also impact you mentally. Symptoms range from one person to the next, but a feeling of fatigue is fairly common, with the associated pain sometimes making it harder to get a good night’s sleep. This can have a knock-on effect on your mental health.
What can you do to relieve arthritis?
If you notice any of the early signs of arthritis, we suggest you contact your GP for medical advice. There are several types of arthritis, so knowing which one you have is a first step. Although there’s no cure, treatment has greatly improved and there’s a clear benefit to diagnosing it at an early stage.
Certainly, staying active and doing regular exercises can help reduce pressure on your joints while strengthening the muscles around them, slowing down the progress of arthritis.
Simple movements you can incorporate into your daily routine include sitting down – in front of the television perhaps – and straightening and bending one leg at a time. This will help keep your knee and ankle joints active and strong.
If that feels ok, then try a few knee squats, too. Simply squat down until your knee is align with your big toe and return to standing. Use a chair for extra support.
To target your hands and wrists, grab a tennis ball (or soft stress ball) and firmly squeeze it for up to five seconds at a time. Doing gentle yoga movements for just five minutes a day, including an overhead reach, can also be an easy way to regain strength in your body.
You should take safety precautions before exercising by yourself and speak to your doctor if you have any concerns.