In the United States, arthritis affects more than 46 million people. By the year 2030, as baby boomers age, this number is expected to climb to 60 million! With numbers like that, it’s a safe bet that their nursing assistants provide care for clients with arthritis. But do your CNAs know that arthritis is not a normal part of aging and what can they do to help clients with arthritis? Here’s some information to help start a discussion about arthritis at your next CNA training meeting.

The aches and pains of arthritis

“Oh my sore joints!” You’ve probably heard many of your customers make that complaint. In fact, you may have said so yourself!

Joint pain is one of the main symptoms of arthritis. (This makes sense since the word “arthritis” comes from two Greek words meaning “joint” and “inflammation”.) But did you know…?

• There are more than 100 different types of arthritis. Some forms of the disease are mild and others can be very serious.
• Some types of arthritis affect the whole body, not just the joints.
• Most forms of arthritis are chronic…meaning there is no cure and they last a lifetime.
• Half of people over the age of 65 report arthritis symptoms.

Isn’t arthritis just part of getting older?

You may be thinking that arthritis is just a normal part of aging. So what’s the problem? Shouldn’t we all expect joint pain as we get older?

Well… some forms of arthritis come from wear and tear on the joints. And, the older we get, the more our joints tend to wear out. However, there are a couple of important points to remember about arthritis:

• Nearly two out of three people with arthritis are younger 65 years old.
• Some older people never develop arthritis.
• There are many young adults who are diagnosed with arthritis. In fact, more than 8 million Americans under the age of 44 have arthritis.
• Some forms of arthritis appear to be caused by viruses, bacteria, or genetic defects, rather than the wear and tear of aging joints.
• Most people over the age of 60 show signs of arthritis on their x-rays, but many have no symptoms of the disease.

What causes arthritis?

The exact causes of arthritis remain a mystery. However, there appear to be three main factors that play a role in the development of arthritis. These include:

Genetic factors

• There seems to be a genetic link to developing osteoarthritis, especially in the joints of the hands. Some people are born with defective cartilage that tends to break easily.

Accidents, Injuries and Illnesses

• Some types of arthritis can be due to bacterial infections.
• People with diabetes are at higher risk of developing some forms of arthritis.
• Accidental injuries, such as a dislocated joint, severe sprain, or fracture, can lead to arthritis.
• Sports related injuries can cause arthritis.

Lifestyle

• Poor nutrition can be a factor in the development of arthritis.
• Years of poor posture or lack of exercise can contribute to arthritis.

Because arthritis affects so many people, it is likely that at least half of your clients are affected by the disease. They are forced to learn to manage their daily lives while dealing with this painful chronic condition. So what’s the good news? Can you help!

A Dozen Tips to Help Clients Manage Arthritis

1. Be aware that if you hear popping, clicking, or banging noises when your clients move their joints, they may have osteoarthritis. And, if you hear a sound like crinkling plastic wrap when they move their joints, they may have rheumatoid arthritis.

2. Remember that some days are better for people with arthritis than others. Don’t be surprised if your clients can function quite well one day and need a lot of help the next.

3. Check the fit of your customers’ shoes. Remember that people’s feet can change in size as they age. If the shoes are too small, they will put pressure on sensitive joints. If the shoes are too big, they put your client at risk of falling.

4. Remind your clients to change positions frequently. This includes the position of the jaw, neck, hands, shoulders, arms, hips, legs, back, and feet. Encourage them to stretch any area that feels tight or stiff.

5. Keep in mind that people with arthritis may find it easier to take the stairs one at a time, using the stronger leg as the lead.

6. Remind your clients to use the strongest possible joint to complete a task. For example, instead of opening a door with their arthritic hand, they can push it with their shoulder.

7. Encourage your clients with arthritis to sit in chairs with arms so they can push their arms up when they get up.

8. Be sure to balance periods of exercise and activity with periods of rest.

9. Remember that some of your clients may have splints specially made to help keep their joints in the correct position and reduce pain. Your clients may need help putting on and taking off these splints.

10. Remind your customers to take a proper stance. This helps prevent further damage to the joints. (And note that slouching actually requires further energy than sitting up straight!)

11. Encourage your clients to use any self-help devices they may have to help them bathe, dress, or eat. If they don’t know how to use a particular assistive device, let your supervisor know.

12. Be sure to tell your supervisor if a client has pain, stiffness, or swelling in or around a joint.

For a more comprehensive review of arthritis, consider presenting the Understanding Arthritis training to your nursing assistants.