What Are the Complications Seniors Are Likely to See with Gout
November 29, 2023
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that brings with it a lot of pain and swelling. It comes on suddenly, sometimes overnight. People who experience gout might also notice redness and heat in the joints that are affected. Managing gout is often difficult for seniors because of the pain involved and depending on the affected joints, they may have difficulty with daily tasks. Personal care at home can help with those tasks and also assist with gout management.
Reduced Mobility
Because of the inflammation and pain associated with gout attacks, seniors often find that the affected joints are difficult to move. Depending on which joints are experiencing gout, seniors may find mobility to be a bigger challenge than normal. It’s important to have assistive devices available and to ensure that seniors have help from home care providers if necessary.
Joint Damage
Over time, the recurring inflammation and buildup of uric acid crystals can cause serious damage to joints. This happens because the crystals erode both cartilage and bone. Home care providers can help seniors to minimize joint stress during gout flares by offering support for the affected joints and helping seniors remember to take medications properly.
Chronic Pain
Gout is incredibly painful and sometimes that pain hangs around even after the inflammation and the actual gout attack itself recedes. That pain significantly impacts quality of life for seniors and can keep them from engaging in activities they enjoy. Personal care at home can help seniors to manage gout pain by assisting with elevating joints, applying ice packs, and helping seniors stick to their care plans.
Cardiovascular Issues
Heart disease, hypertension, and other cardiovascular issues are closely linked to gout. Keeping cardiovascular health under control can help to manage gout and vice versa. Eating a balanced diet, exercising according to doctor's orders, and monitoring heart health is an essential part of any gout management plan.
Kidney Problems
Because gout is caused by uric acid crystals building up in joints, gout can also cause kidney problems for seniors. As these crystals break up and get processed through the kidneys, they can lead to kidney stones and damage. Personal care at home helps seniors to remember to drink plenty of water, eat healthy meals, and to monitor kidney function.
Increased Fall Risk
Depending on where the gout occurs, seniors might experience instability in their joints, which can lead to a bigger fall risk. Home care providers can help address safety concerns for seniors, allowing them to be safely mobile at home. They can also help to make sure that seniors are using their assistive devices when they’re moving around.
Social Isolation
Because gout can flare up with little to no warning at all, some seniors might worry about experiencing a gout attack when they’re engaging in activities. This can cause them to start withdrawing from social engagements, which leads to social isolation. Social isolation, in turn, leads to mental health issues that seniors shouldn’t have to battle.
Nutritional Challenges
Gout and diet are closely related. Understanding which foods serve as gout triggers can help seniors to choose a healthier diet that reduces their risk of experiencing gout again. Personal care at home can help seniors to keep food logs and eat a healthy diet that supports pain-free living.
Personal care at home can help seniors deal with their gout attacks in a variety of different ways. Hopefully, with the right care plan, aging adults become less likely to experience gout at all.