Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is known for being a chronic inflammatory disorder that is autoimmune. This means it occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its tissues. 

According to the Mayo Clinic, RA affects more than just the joints. This condition may damage some people’s eyes, skin, lungs, or blood vessels. Unlike osteoarthritis characterized by wear and tear, RA affects the lining of one’s joints. 

Yale Medicine shares that nearly 1.5 million people in the US suffer from this condition. For those aged between 60 and 65 years, it’s called elderly-onset or late-onset RA. 

This article will discuss what makes rheumatoid arthritis different from its early-stage condition. We will also discuss the symptoms, treatment, and tips to reduce pain and maintain mobility. 

Distinguishing Between Early-Onset and Elderly-Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis 

There are some key differences between early-stage RA and its elderly-onset. Let’s distinguish between the two based on what WebMD shares – 

• Elderly-onset RA’s symptoms tend to show up at a faster rate. This means it is acute compared to early-onset RA, with the symptoms gradually appearing over time. 
• When RA happens in younger people, it usually affects small joints like the toes and fingers. However, elderly-onset RA starts in larger joints like the shoulders. 
• While late-stage RA tends to attack men and women at the same rate, the early onset of the disorder typically affects women more. 

Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment 

When it comes to elderly-onset RA, you will notice symptoms that go beyond joint pain. The full range of symptoms include the following – 

• Weight loss 
• Myalgia or muscle pain
• Anemia 
• Fever 

The tricky thing about elderly-onset RA is that its symptoms may overlap with other diseases, including crystal arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, and hypothyroidism. The late stage of this condition is diagnosed through a combination of the patient’s medical history, detailed physical examination, and blood tests. 

The most common form of treatment for RA, even in its elderly stage, is a combination of antirheumatic drugs. Early intervention is the best way to manage the disease and prevent further joint damage. 

There’s More to Treatment Than Just Medicine 

Though elderly-onset RA can be treated, the same is shaky ground, particularly for those with other health conditions. The medication for different conditions can easily cause a bad reaction. 

At the age when elderly-stage RA starts, many patients have multiple health conditions. Treatment medicines can also have side effects that affect the kidneys, heart, gut, and brain. 

Thankfully, medication is not the only way to manage the disorder. Let’s look at additional tips to reduce joint pain and maintain mobility. 

Maintaining a Healthy Weight 

One of the first things one needs to keep in check to manage rheumatoid arthritis is their weight. Excess weight puts additional strain on the joints. This can worsen pain and inflammation, further increasing the disease’s severity. 

While all types of excess fat are bad, the visceral fat around the abdomen is the worst as it produces inflammatory chemicals. Given someone’s age and the possibility of multiple health conditions, one can seek professional support. 

Besides a dietician or a nutritionist, even nurses working in gerontology care will help maintain a healthy weight. Rockhurst University states that such nurses are trained to care for geriatric populations experiencing one or more common acute/chronic health problems. 

This is possible because they pursue education beyond the standard Master of Science in Nursing to a specialization in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nursing. Be it an offline or online MSN AGACNP degree program, geriatric nurses with these qualifications can help in weight management by –

• Educating patients on healthy eating habits 
• Encouraging regular physical activity tailored to individual needs 
• Identifying underlying conditions affecting weight 
• Collaborating with other healthcare professionals 
• Providing behavioral counseling for sustainable lifestyle changes 

Adequate Rest 

As per the Sleep Foundation, circadian rhythms change as people age. This leads to disrupted sleep patterns. Moreover, health conditions like RA further increase the risk of fragmented sleep. 

It’s important to get adequate sleep or rest even as an older adult. Many people have a misconception that seniors require less sleep. The truth is all adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night. 

Older adults can better manage their RA pain and inflammation through sufficient rest and sound sleep. Let’s look at different ways seniors can ensure they get good sleep – 

• Remove all distractions from the bedroom, including smartphones, bright lights, and television. 
• Avoid consuming substances that disrupt sleep like tobacco and caffeine. 
• Participate in regular exercise, especially those that strengthen the joints. 
• Develop and maintain a fixed bedtime routine that includes relaxing activities like a warm bath or reading. 

Heat and Cold Therapy 

Heat and cold therapy is often used to treat severe pain, including that which accompanies elderly-onset RA. Healthline shares that heat therapy improves blood circulation to the area of application. On the other hand, cold therapy helps reduce inflammation. 

While the former is best for muscle stiffness and pain, the latter helps manage acute injuries. Essentially, a single treatment of both can help address different aspects of RA in seniors. 

Nurses can help with this because heat/cold therapy is a common practice to manage pain, swelling, and discomfort. They will safely administer the required treatment whilst educating the patient on the duration and application techniques. 

The proper application of each is important to reduce pain and inflammation. Some people experience great relief by alternating between heat and cold applications. 

Stress Management 

Another thing that can increase elderly-onset RA flare-ups is stress. The link between stress and the condition is still unclear but may have to do with the body’s stress response and inflammation. 

The National Council on Aging shares some common reasons behind stress in elderly populations. These include grief/bereavement, chronic illness, financial worries, loneliness, and major life changes. 

Despite such challenging moments, it’s important to practice healthy ways of coping with stress. Some ways to manage stress properly even in old age include – 

• Identifying the source and removing it if possible
• Consuming a healthy balanced diet. You can consult with your healthcare team for a custom diet chart
• Staying sufficiently hydrated
• Participating in meditation, mindfulness, and other relaxing activities

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that RA is not curable. This is especially true of geriatric populations since muscles and joints naturally weaken with age. However, it can be managed. 

Early intervention and healthy lifestyle changes can enable seniors with RA to enjoy a good quality of life. We hope this article has shed light on how medication is not the only answer. 

Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel

Join