Seniors with chronic medical conditions often have difficulty handling warm and humid weather. Not only does the heat make it difficult to exercise, but it can also result in joint inflammation and dehydration. Before the weather gets too hot, seniors who have arthritis should come up with a comprehensive plan to manage their mobility issues, swelling, and discomfort. Clearwater Home care experts share some steps to help seniors lower their arthritis pain in warm weather.
Skip the Sugary Drinks
Many seniors drink quite a bit of sweet tea and iced coffee during summer. The processed sugar in these drinks can trigger joint inflammation and increase the risk of dehydration. Active seniors might need to drink ten or more glasses of water a day to stay hydrated.
Change Exercise Habits
As long as a doctor hasn’t given different instructions, older adults who have arthritis should continue to exercise as much as possible. If the warm weather is making it difficult to exercise, your loved one needs to start changing his or her training habits. Going for a brisk walk early in the morning or swimming a few laps in a pool can strengthen the joints. Seniors who get dizzy or nauseous while exercising should immediately seek out medical assistance.
Mindful Sun Protection
While enjoying the sun’s warmth, practicing sun protection is crucial, especially if you’re on medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight. Use sunscreen with a high SPF, wear protective clothing, and consider a wide-brimmed hat to shield yourself from harmful U.V. rays. Balancing sun exposure with appropriate protection is key to preventing skin damage and ensuring your overall well-being.
Choose Appropriate Footwear
Warm weather often means lighter footwear, but for arthritis sufferers, choosing supportive and comfortable shoes is crucial. Opt for shoes with proper arch support and cushioning to reduce stress on joints. Consider open-toed sandals that provide ventilation while ensuring a secure and comfortable fit. Proper footwear contributes to overall joint stability and minimizes the impact on arthritis symptoms.
Use R.I.C.E. Therapy During Flares
Many factors can cause an arthritis flare, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, malnutrition, and humidity levels. Most seniors need anti-inflammatory drugs to manage their flares, but they can also consider the R.I.C.E. method, which is designed to quickly reduce soft tissue and joint pain by resting (R), icing the area (I), compressing the joint (C), and elevating the extremity (E). This type of therapy can cool an individual down and prevent long-term soft tissue damage.
Try Natural Cooling Products
As soon as your loved one’s internal temperature gets too high, his or her body could have a difficult time managing joint pain. Staying hydrated and sitting in a cool room are both great options, but there are many natural products that can lower the internal temperature as well. Cooling misters can be made with nothing more than a spray bottle and a few drops of eucalyptus or mint oil. Another option is an evaporative cooling towel that absorbs water and draws heat from the skin.
Enjoy Restful Sleep
Quality sleep is crucial for everyone, but especially for those managing arthritis. Warm weather can sometimes disrupt sleep patterns, so create a comfortable and cool sleeping environment. Consider using light bedding, keeping the room well-ventilated, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. Quality sleep enhances your body’s ability to repair and regenerate, supporting your overall well-being and arthritis management.
Install a Dehumidifier
Barometric changes and high humidity levels have both been linked to some of the most common arthritis symptoms. Seniors who experience joint pain during warm months might be able to minimize their discomfort with a dehumidifier. These devices come in different sizes, and smaller ones can stabilize the humidity levels in a single room. Your loved one can also invest in a whole-home dehumidifier that is attached to the HVAC system.
Arthritis pain can be very devastating at times; therefore, managing the symptoms is important to lower the intensity of pain in warm weather. If your aging loved one needs help to enjoy a high quality of life, consider getting professional home care Clearwater Families often trust their area’s reliable senior at-home care provider to allow their loved ones to maintain overall well-being while aging in the comfort of home with cherished memories.
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