Stairlifts for Arthritis? Yes, Here Is What You Need to Know

Arthritis comes in many forms, and it is estimated that nearly 60 million Americans live with this condition. Stairlifts can help alleviate some of the stress and strain on joints, like knees, and reduce the risk of a nasty fall. Consider meeting with a mobility equipment professional to discuss all available options.

Do you live with Arthritis? Around 59 million adults have some kind of Arthritis in this country and around 26 million are limited in what they can do because of this condition. Arthritis doesn’t have a cure, but for many, symptoms are manageable with lifestyle changes and/or medical treatment. Since Arthritis sufferers typically have chronic pain in their joints, it may impact daily living and overall quality of life.

There are some ways to combat the symptoms and progression of Arthritis including mobility aids that may help overcome issues of accessibility. A stairlift can reduce the strain and stress that you put on your joints, like your knees and hips, every time that you choose to go up or down stairs in the home environment. Furthermore, it reduces the chance that you could experience a fall and subsequent injury from using stairs. There are many compelling reasons to consider mobility options; talk to your provider about whether a stairlift is a viable option for your home environment.

Here is what you should know:

Arthritis

Arthritis is basically a medical condition where your joints swell and become tender or sore. The prime symptoms of Arthritis are stiffness and pain, which, unfortunately, get worse over time. There are numerous types of Arthritis, but the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Some other types of arthritis include these:

• Gout
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Reactive arthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Septic arthritis

Treatment will vary depending on the type of Arthritis that you suffer from. Arthritis is not curable so your treatment will focus on reducing the severity and frequency of your symptoms.

Symptoms of Arthritis

The most common symptom of Arthritis is stiffness, particularly in the joints, and pain. Depending on the type of Arthritis that you have, some of the symptoms may include:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Redness
• Decreased range of motion

A stairlift can help! Consider these symptoms and how the gentle support and reassurance of a stairlift in the home can facilitate autonomy.

Arthritis and Stairlifts

So, what can you do about living with chronic pain and physical limitation caused by Arthritis? There are treatments available that may minimize the severity and frequency of your symptoms, depending on the kind of Arthritis you suffer from. Talk to your doctor about the best treatment plan and how to move forward.

Mobility aids make sense for anyone who is limited by what they can do physically- including going up and down stairs. Some may be able to ascend or descend, but it takes a toll. Make life easier and conserve your strength with a stairlift.

Stairlifts remove the immense stress and strain that steps put on knees, hips, ankles, and other joints. Be proactive in your treatment and care, after all, you can reduce the severity of symptoms with simple changes. Don’t let Arthritis rob you of your quality of life; talk to a mobility professional to find out more.

Are you at risk?

Risk factors for Arthritis include the following:

• Your genetics and family history play a part in whether you will have Arthritis. There are some kinds of this condition that are hereditary.
• Your age also puts you at risk for Arthritis. You are more likely to have some form of Arthritis as you get older.
• Women more often have Rheumatoid Arthritis, while men are more inclined to contract gout. It is safe to say that gender also puts you at a higher risk for this condition.
• If you have previously injured a joint, like a knee, you are more likely to later have Arthritis in that same joint. Athletes that repeatedly injure their joints have a high risk of Arthritis.
• Obesity also puts you at higher risk of Arthritis in your joints.

Over time, severe Arthritis can be debilitating and impact your ability to complete ADLs, or activities of daily living. Consider how a stairlift may help you preserve your independence and autonomy if you live with this condition.

Arthritis Awareness

World Autoimmune Arthritis Day is Friday, May 20, 2022, and May has been set aside as Arthritis Awareness Month. These observances are organized to raise awareness of autoimmune diseases that cause pain and inflammation. 

Want to learn more about a stairlift for your home? Talk to the mobility experts at Pacific Mobility; they can discuss the advantages of mobility aids, as well as provide more information regarding your available options. Call or visit today!