Diet and Physical Activity
Weight Loss
Being overweight or obese puts extra stress on weight-bearing joints.
Losing weight can:
- Reduce future damage.
- Improve flexibility.
- Improve abilities.
A healthcare provider can refer a person to a licensed dietitian or nutritionist to help with weight loss.
Physical Activity
A regular physical activity routine is needed for life. Swimming or water aerobics is helpful if weight-bearing joints are damaged because floating in the water reduces the impact on them.
Management
Assistive Devices
A wide range of aids and devices, like canes, can improve safety. A physical or occupational therapist can make recommendations.
Home devices and modifications can make a big difference too. For example:
- Reachers, easy-grip utensils, electric can openers
- Zipper and buttoning aids
- Long-handled shoe horns and “sock-aids”
- Doorknob and faucet adapters
- Modified telephones
- Writing aids
- Special gardening tools
- Key turners
Complications
Severe joint problems can make self-care hard and daily tasks difficult. These problems, along with pain, put older adults at high risk of balance problems, falls, and fractures.
Getting pain under control and doing rehabilitation and physical activity will increase abilities and reduce risk of injury.
Last Updated May 2023