Arthritis is one of the most common chronic pain conditions in North America. It is a leading
cause of disability that frequently reduces mobility, restricts domestic life, and limits a number
of leisure activities and career opportunities. People who live with arthritis, not only suffer from physical pain, but have decreased mental health as well.
Ways Arthritis Pain Affects Daily Life
When joint pain is a part of daily life, it can affect daily tasks and normal household chores. People living with arthritis know the difficulties they face due to their severe pain and stiffness, yet there is usually nothing they can do at home. Arthritis progression can be unpreventable, and is partially caused by age, family history, and gender. Women are at a higher risk for developing arthritis than men.
1. Walking
When arthritis affects the knee or lower extremities, walking can prove to be very painful and difficult. Not only does this affect one’s ability to exercise and remain independently mobile, but can affect a person’s ability to get out of bed in the morning or check their mailbox. It can also prevent someone from being able to stand in the kitchen to make a full meal.
2. ADLs
ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) are tasks that allow people to live functionally each day, independently. These tasks include grocery shopping, household chores, and managing medications. Those ADLs can become increasingly challenging and near impossible.
3. Eating
Arthritis in the hands or elbows can make cooking very difficult, let alone using utensils at the table. Eating and maintaining a proper diet is crucial to staying healthy and reducing the progression of arthritis.
There is adaptive equipment available that can make eating more comfortable to those who have arthritis pain in their hands, fingers, or wrist.
4. Climbing Stairs
Climbing stairs is a normal activity that is taken for granted. Stairs can be a problem for someone who suffers from arthritis in the hip, knee, ankle, or lower back. When weight gets shifted from one leg to another, it can sometimes be very hard and painful to maneuver steps. Wearing foot or ankle supports to add stability makes it safer for some people to conquer the
stairs and combat their pain.
5. Social Activities
Limited mobility often reduces the amount someone with arthritis is able to attend social events and maintain an active social life. Going to events, including religious meetings and family events, are all too often eliminated from a person’s schedule when they are suffering from arthritis pain.
This isolation and change in daily activities is soon followed by depression and a decline in mental health. However this can become a vicious cycle – chronic pain leads to depression, and depression reduces one’s ability to successfully cope with pain conditions.
It is important to communicate with your physician to create a treatment plan that reduces all negative effects of arthritis
