When to See a Doctor for Arthritis Pain

Aches and pains are often associated with aging. People might chalk them up to arthritis without ever seeing a doctor for a diagnosis.

In some cases, it may be appropriate to treat joint pain at home and joint pain is rarely considered an emergency situation if it was not caused by an injury. But, when should you consult your elder parent’s doctor about joint pain?

What to Watch For

First, you might be surprised to know that your parent’s doctor will not diagnose them with “arthritis.” That’s because arthritis is not a condition, but rather a term for a group of more than 100 conditions that affect the bones and joints.

For that reason, if your parent is experiencing what people generally think of as being arthritis symptoms, it’s a good idea to see a doctor to determine what kind of arthritis they have and what can be done to treat it.

Some types of arthritis can be debilitating or cause deformity and permanent damage. If your parent has one of those conditions, it’s important to get care early to prevent serious problems.

Symptoms of Arthritis

Some general symptoms of arthritis conditions to watch for include:

Tender, painful, or stiff joints.
Redness or swelling around a joint.
Joints that feel warm when you touch them.
Trouble moving a joint.

When to See a Doctor for Arthritis Pain

If your parent is experiencing arthritis symptoms, it is a good idea to contact their doctor in the following situations:

Your parent has been having arthritis symptoms for three or more days.
Your parent is having joint problems several times in a one-month period.
Your parent’s joint pain is accompanied by swelling, redness, or warmth.

Managing Mild Arthritis Pain at Home

If your parent has already been diagnosed with an arthritis condition and is experiencing mild pain, doctors at the Mayo Clinic say that it is okay to manage the pain at home. Some ways to deal with mild pain at home are:

Rest the joint and avoid activities that cause pain.
If the doctor has approved over the counter pain medications for your parent, they may help reduce pain.
Apply a cold pack to the area. A bag of frozen peas works well if you don’t have a cold pack on hand. This should be done for 15 to 20 minutes at a time a couple of times per day.
Take a warm bath or use a heating pad to improve circulation and soothe the joint.

Contact Sonas for Home Health Care Services in Florida

Home care providers can be helpful for seniors who struggle with joint pain. They can allow the elder to rest while they take care of daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Home care providers can also help your parent with things that might be difficult if they have arthritis in their hands, such as buttoning clothing and tying shoes. When your parent is in pain, an elder care provider can assist them with applying a hot or cold pack or help them to safely take a warm bath.

If you or an aging loved one are considering home health care services in Florida, contact the caring staff at Sonas Home Health Care. Call today (888) 592-5855.

Sources
Arthritis Foundation
Mayo Clinic

Jillian Miller BSN, RN

Director of Nursing at Sonas Home Health Care

This blog was reviewed by Jillian Miller BSN, RN — Director of Nursing for Sonas Home Health Care’s Tampa Bay market — for clinical accuracy. Jillian Miller has been a nurse for 16 years — working primarily in pediatrics. She believes the best part of working with the pediatric population is when you see smiles from clients when you first enter the room. She loves seeing the difference you can make in families’ lives while providing the best care possible for them.