Living with Arthritis
In our last post, we discussed Multiple Sclerosis, and how it affects people’s mobility. This week we will be similarly talking about the inhibited mobility of individuals caused by arthritis. Arthritis affects nearly 350 million people worldwide. Yes, you read that correctly! With how widespread arthritis is, it is important to know a few things about it.
Arthritis is not a disease, but instead a way to refer to joint pains or diseases. The reasoning behind this is that there are well over 100 different forms of arthritis that affect people in different ways, so having a single definition of what arthritis is would simply be too vague. Although there are over 100 variations of arthritis, there are three major categories that most variations fall under; osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis. In this blog, we will discuss what these three major categories of arthritis are, and how they may inhibit mobility in those affected.
Types of Arthritis and Symptoms
Osteoarthritis
The first form of arthritis that we will discuss is osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis. This form of arthritis is caused by things like the overbearing of joints from obesity, and wear-and-tear from everyday life. Over time and use, the cartilage in joints break down, causing:
- Deep aches and pain in and around the joints
- Trouble completing day-to-day activities
- Stiffness of joints
- Swollen joints
- Limited range of motion in affected joints
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This form of arthritis is not a form of wear-and-tear, instead it is an autoimmune disease. This autoimmune disease affects the body by making the immune system attack the joints, as well as some other parts of the body. Those with rheumatoid arthritis may experience:
- Stiffness in and around the joints
- Redness of joint areas
- Inflammation of joints
- Sensitiveness of joints
- Joint pain
Psoriatic Arthritis
Lastly, this form of arthritis takes a different effect on the body. Psoriatic arthritis is a combination of swelling and inflamed skin (psoriasis) and joints (arthritis). This one-two-punch typically affects the skin as well as the spine, fingers and toes. Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are:
- Inflammation of skin
- Inflammation of fingers and toes
- Red rash on both the head and torso
- Pitted and discolored fingernails
Physical Limitations of Arthritis
The physical limitations of arthritis vary greatly with the seriousness and progression of an individual's arthritis. Arthritis can be anything from simple joint pain and aching to not being able to hold a pencil, lift ten pounds, climb stairs, dress yourself or even stand for long periods of time. With arthritis, common day-to-day tasks may become seemingly impossible.
With more serious cases of arthritis, people may find themselves in a state of limited mobility due to the strains that arthritis puts on their day-to-day life. Because of this limited mobility, it may become time to look for products for people with arthritis like supports and railings throughout your home, or mobility chairs and swivel chairs that may make your kitchen and dining room more accessible. Check out our swivel dining room chairs with casters, or our upholstered dining room chairs with casters today to see how much easier meal-time could really be.
Product Spotlight: The Contessa 100
The Contessa 100 is the most stylish accessible mobility chair on the market today! Our chair combines classic Victorian looks with functionality and comfort. This classic chair is equipped with one of out mobility assist levers, making it easy for a caregiver or family member to gently push the chair into the table without strain, effort, or risk of injury. The Contessa 100 is perfect for both in-home care and institutional facilities that are looking to increase the mobility of people affected by both disabilities and old age. If you're looking for an upholstered dining room chair with casters, this is the perfect mobility chair for you. Check out the Contessa 100 in our store today.
At HomeCARE furniture by Comfortek, we are dedicated to making people with disabilities and their caregivers lives better. We believe in creating mobility chairs that aid in taking away the day-to-day stress involved with simple tasks such as sitting down for a meal. So grab one of our mobility chairs or swivel chairs, and take a seat and relax!
Please contact us if you have any questions about our products. Thanks for tuning in to the HomeCARE furniture by Comfortek blog, where we will next discuss tips on how to be a caregiver for a disabled or elderly family member in-home.