Rheumatic diseases in old ageDiseases of the rheumatic type affect millions of people of all ages and manifest themselves in over a hundred different diseases, which make everyday life enormously difficult for affected seniors, especially in the case of further diseases.
The term rheumatism does not refer to a specific disease. Instead, rheumatic diseases include more than 400 different clinical pictures that are due to inflammations of the soft ties or the musculoskeletal system. How rheumatism can be recognized and which special features in the care are to be considered, Wohnen-im-Alter has summarized in the guidebook.
Definition: What is rheumatism? Originally, the term rheumatism comes from the Greek. Stands for the words flowing pain. Among the illnesses of the rheumatism circle of forms, as the clinical picture in the medical range is called, are over 400 different illnesses. They all have one thing in common: all rheumatic diseases have their origin in inflammations.
They can all be divided into four main groups:
– inflammatory rheumatic disease patterns such as rheumatoid arthritis – degenerative diseases of the joints and spine such as osteoarthritis – rheumatic diseases of the musculoskeletal system and soft ties such as fibromyalgia – other diseases associated with rheumatic complaints such as gout
Rheumatic diseases do not affect the human musculoskeletal system alone. The organs can also be affected by rheumatism. In addition, not only older people fall ill. Rheumatic diseases affect adults, adolescents and children alike.
Recognizing rheumatism
Flowing pain – an original meaning that summarizes the main feature of rheumatic diseases very well. Depending on the type of disease, symptoms may include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, loss of strength in the hands and back pain at night. Muscles, tendons, connective tie and skin can also be affected, depending on the form of the disease.
The complaints occur in phases and are accompanied by fatigue and exhaustion. Fluctuations can also occur during the day.
Symptoms of rheumatic diseases cannot always be recognized as such at the first moment. This makes it all the more important to have them clarified by a doctor if various complaints occur. The earlier rheumatic diseases are detected, the better they can be treated.
Reduce rheumatism factors themselves
Avoid rheumatism-promoting foods that contain arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid promotes inflammatory processes in the body.
– Avoid animal fats, these include: – Meat – sausage – eggs – dairy products – lard
– Omega-3 fatty acid-containing foods such as: – Cold-water fish (salmon, mackerel)
– Algae
– Linseed oil, chia oil, rapeseed oil
Treatment of rheumatism
When treating rheumatism, there is a rule of thumb: the sooner the disease is recognized, the better it can be treated. As a rule, rheumatic diseases are not curable, but can be treated very well with various therapies.
Treatment options include medical therapies as well as lifestyle changes that can be implemented independently or with the support of caregivers or physicians.
Treatment options for rheumatism
– medicinal therapy to combat inflammation – physiotherapy – surgery (in exceptional cases) – dietary changes – maintaining a healthy lifestyle – exercise
Handling in the care
Rheumatic diseases should also be taken into account in nursing care. The main focus is on supporting a healthy lifestyle. This includes a healthy diet, exercise as well as giving up bad habits such as smoking.
In addition, care should be taken to ensure that the senior with the disease is relieved and supported by suitable aids. Nevertheless, he should not do without exercise, so that the joints do not become completely stiff. However, caregivers must exercise particular caution with deformed joints. If activities are planned, they should preferably be scheduled for times of day when the person affected has the fewest complaints.
Caregivers should talk openly with the affected relative about the disease and his or her needs. In this way, it is possible to respond better to the senior who has the disease. This should be supported appropriately. However, help should only be given if it is necessary so that the person affected can remain independent for as long as possible. If necessary, care should be taken to ensure that the sufferer takes his medication regularly to keep his pain to a minimum.
If an elderly person's rheumatic disease is very advanced or if the overall condition is severely impaired by several diseases, it is advisable to apply for a nursing degree. This is how aids can be claimed. In addition, support can be provided by a nursing service. If the family wants to take over the care of their relative, they too can receive financial support from the care insurance fund.
Rheumatism has many faces. But the sooner the symptoms are recognized, the better the disease can be treated. Complaints can also be alleviated by means of professional care. The senior affected to be adequately supported in dealing with the disease.