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SENIORCARE OPTIONS
COPD: Learn
More, Breathe Easier
www.seniorcareopt.com
770-579-9177
Take a slow, deep breath. Let’s take a moment to trace the path of
your breath.
Aging Life Care Management
for the Metro Atlanta Area
Assisting medically frail seniors,
disabled adults, & their caregivers
Osteoarthritis: What a pain in the joint!
Resources Available
Although one of over 100 diseases and conditions that
are classified as Arthritis, this one is the most common.
It affects more than 27 million Americans – and no, it’s
not just the normal aches and pains of getting older…
Arthritis Foundation – www.arthritistoday.org – Under “Tools &
Resources” tab there are a variety of exercise videos, slideshows, a drug
guide, glossary, a tracking tool for symptoms, and great general
information about all forms of arthritis, including OA.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic incurable condition
that results from the progressive, disabling, and
irreversible breaking down of multiple parts of the joint – including
cartilage, bones, fluid, or membrane lining. Although multiple joints
can be affected – it most often affects the commonly used and weight
bearing joints of the neck, spine, hips, hands, knees, and ankles.
Risk factors for this disease include: older age, family history of OA,
obesity, joint injury, repetitive overuse of joints, or joint deformity.
American College of Rheumatology – www.rheumatology.org – Offers
a “Find a Rheumatologist” tool to find a specialist near you through “Find A
Member” tab at top of page.
Also, the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov has a search tool to find
a Medicare participating Rheumatologist in your area under tab for “Find
doctors & other health professionals” then search by city/state and
specialist of Rheumatology.
Symptoms can include:
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Joint pain and stiffness
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Cracking or grinding noise at joint movement
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Decreased functioning of joint
A Rheumatologist is a specialist that is an expert in diagnosing and
treating diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones. Osteoarthritis is
properly diagnosed through physical exam – and in some cases through
use of x-ray or other imaging tests.
Although irreversible, there are lifestyle changes, treatments, and (in
extreme cases) surgical interventions available to manage how OA
effects one’s lifestyle. The overall goal is to minimize symptoms,
slow progression, and improve function.
Like most conditions, weight loss and exercise are very useful in the
treatment and progression of OA. Exercise can improve muscle strength,
reduce stiffness, lower chance of disability, and decrease pain. Taking off
excess weight can decrease the amount of stress of the joints of the
knees, hips, and lower back. Studies show that 1 pound of weight loss
takes off 4 pounds of joint stress in the knee! Imagine what a difference
losing 10 pounds would feel like to those weight bearing joints!
Support Group Information
Lacy Doremus, LMSW, C-ASWCM, facilitates a monthly caregiver support
group at 7pm at Presbyterian Village - conference room between
Hearthstone and Wellness center. The address is 2000 E West
Connector Austell, GA and meetings are held the last Tuesday of each
month at 7pm.
Lisa Meeks, MS, CTRS, CMC facilitates a monthly spousal support group
at Arbor Terrace East Cobb on the third Thursday each month at noon.
The address is 886 Johnson Ferry Rd. Marietta, GA. RSVPs are required
and should be provided to Arbor Terrace at 770-977-4420 – as
complimentary lunch is served.
Lisa also facilitates a monthly spousal support group at Arbor Terrace of
Crabapple on the first Tuesday each month at noon – private dining room.
The address is 12200 Crabapple Rd. Alpharetta, GA. RSVPs are required
and should be provided to Arbor Terrace at 678-894-7803 - as
complimentary lunch is served.
About SeniorCare Options
Proper sleep positioning, walking supports (such as a cane),
adjusting furniture (such as raising a toilet seat), and avoiding
repeated motions that aggravate pain points can be helpful.
Drug therapies and supplements can be taken in pill form, in topical
applications, or by injections. The regimen of these medications must be
discussed with your physician to achieve proper treatment goals and
optimal symptom control (with goal to also reduce negative side effects
and candidly discuss potential risks).
When there is serious damage, medical treatment fails to relieve
symptoms, and there is a severe loss of functioning – surgery may be
discussed as an option. This may include arthroscopy to full joint
replacement. All potential treatment options should be discussed
openly and honestly with a trusted medical specialist.
SeniorCare Options provides Certified Aging Life Care Management
throughout the Metro-Atlanta area. Our team consists of Master’s level
clinicians in the fields of counseling, social work, therapeutic recreation,
and registered nursing. Our backgrounds are vast and specific to the
current clinical needs of our clients and their families who may be in
transition, have chronic or difficult-to-manage conditions, and who require
increased guidance. Our interdisciplinary focus, extensive experience, and
heightened sensitivity to their specific needs prove to be an invaluable
asset to families faced with the maze of options and care needs. For more
information regarding Aging Life Care Management services, our support
groups, or to inquire about requesting services for someone under your
care, please contact us at: 770-579-9177 or
brandih@seniorcareopt.com.
SeniorCare Options April 2015