Joint pain is one of the most commonly-experienced health concerns in older adults. However, many people who have joint pain know little about where it comes from. They often dismiss it as a natural part of the aging process. This isn’t necessarily the case.
If you’re an older adult who’s been struggling with joint pain, take some time to figure out where it might be coming from. Doing so could help you resolve the pain and get back to doing the activities that you love. Keep reading to learn where your joint pain could be coming from and what can be done about it.
Joint pain can come from a variety of sources. However, arthritis is the most common cause of this pain in older adults. It’s a musculoskeletal disease that almost 50% of older adults will experience at some point in their lives. Common signs are morning stiffness, swelling, and sharp or dull joint pain in the knees, hips, spine, and fingers.
If your joint pain is located near your shoulder, it’s possible that you have what’s called a frozen shoulder. This is a condition in which the connective tissues around the shoulder joint tighten and thicken. It’s most common after prolonged immobilization of the shoulder.
Other causes of body aches and joint pain include degenerative disc disease and bone spurs. Be sure to check with your doctor if you’re unsure about where your joint pain has been coming from.
Doctors usually try to treat joint pain with a multi-pronged approach. They recommend several treatments to help older adults recover. Some of the most treatments include:
Each of these treatments can play a role in helping an older adult find lasting relief from joint pain. However, it’s impossible to say which of them is right for you without first consulting with a physician. They’ll take into account your unique medical history and overall health to create a more personalized care plan than what’s listed here. This may turn your recovery into a more successful one.
Some older adults put off seeing a doctor about their joint pain because they don’t want to pay the cost of doing so. However, you may be able to use your Medicare health insurance to cover the expense. This would enable you to get the medical attention you need without having to worry about how it will impact your budget.
Unsure about what your Medicare plan will cover? Consider reaching out to one of Time for 65’s partnered licensed agents. They’re Medicare experts who can offer you coverage recommendations based on your unique needs.
Getting started is easy. You can do so by filling out this form or giving us a call. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you get started on the path to lasting joint pain relief.
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