April 23, 2021
Plus, it makes it hard for her to go up and down the stairs to her bedroom. What could be causing her pain?
It’s estimated that about 23 percent of all adults aged 40 or older experience knee pain. You need to make sure she sees her doctor for a professional diagnosis. There are several reasons for knee pain, and many of them are linked to something as simple as osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs over time and involves a breakdown of cartilage within joints that allows the ends of bones to rub together. People often experience osteoarthritis in the ankles, knees, hips, spine, and fingers.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes damage, swelling, and pain to joints throughout the body and some organs in the body. The inflammation can become so severe it causes the joints to become deformed. RA often starts in the toes and fingers, but it can spread to ankles, knees, hips, wrists, elbows, and shoulders.
Ligaments in the knee can tear or stretch in a fall during an activity like skating or skiing. Car accidents are another reason for this type of injury. Typically, a pop followed by pain that causes the leg to buckle when you try to stand.
Knee infections occur when synovial fluid around the knee joint becomes infected with bacteria. It’s more likely to happen after knee surgery or from cellulitis caused by staph bacteria that enters through a wound. If your mom has diabetes, her medications may put her at a higher risk of infection in the knee which causes a lot of knee pain.
Bursitis is caused by inflammation in the bursa sac. These fluid-filled sacs are found in joints and prevent bones, muscles, and tendons from rubbing together. Bursa sacs are found in joints like the knee, elbow, and hip.
The inflammation is most common in adults over the age of 40. Who is at risk? Those who use their joints regularly while doing activities like gardening, golfing, or doing exercises without first stretching out.
Gout is a form of arthritis where uric acid crystals build up in joints. It usually impacts the big toe, but the crystals can build up in other joints like the ankle and knee. Discomfort may ease after a day or two, but it can last weeks.
When your mom is suffering from knee pain, it’s important to follow the doctor’s recommendations. She needs to ice it or use hot compresses as directed. She needs to stay off her feet if that’s what the doctor tells her to do.
If she’s worried about daily chores while she recovers, help her feel secure by arranging senior care services. Caregivers can help her stay off his feet by cooking meals and snacks, cleaning her home, and answering the phone and door as needed. Call a senior care agency and ask about temporary services while your mom’s knee heals.
If you or an aging loved-one are considering hiring Senior Care in Sewickley, PA, please contact the caring staff at In-Home Quality Care today. Serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area since 1990! Call412-421-5202
Sources:
https://www.thelancet.com/
