Many people consider aging to be synonymous with illness. It is common to hear the expression “age pains” from the elderly and young people. What few people know, however, is that feeling pain is not normal, as if it were an obligatory consequence of reaching old age. All pain is caused by illness or discomfort, which in turn may or may not be linked to aging. Whatever the origin of the pain, it is essential that it is correctly diagnosed and that the proper treatment is carried out. It is necessary to treat the pain of the elderly with the same attention that one would give to any one’s pain, without judging that it is just “things of age”.
It is clear that there is a greater occurrence of muscle and bone pain in old age, as these are chronic conditions that accompany the patient for years and, in addition, tend to worsen over time. However, it needs to be clear that pain is not necessarily a direct consequence of aging, but of illness.
Some pain is caused by common illnesses at this stage of life.
Among the main causes pointed out by specialists for the “pains of age”, are the wear and tear resulting from obesity or related to work performed during youth, for example. Among other factors related to pain reports among the elderly, the following stand out:
– be female;
– have postural spinal deviations or knee deviations;
– carry heavy loads;
– practicing physical exercises incorrectly;
– genetic factors and other common conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, and gluten intolerance;
– trauma or injuries;
– perform repetitive and/or excessive movements;
– infections and joint hypermobility (a genetic disease that causes the joints to have excessive flexibility).
In any situation, the tendency is for the symptoms to worsen over the years and for the person to “get used to” the pain, failing to give it due to importance and treat it correctly. That is why it is so important to provide the elderly with conditions so that they feel at ease to report their pain and seek treatment. They often end up underestimating their own pain for fear of upsetting the family, or even for fear of a diagnosis that reveals a serious illness.
The problem is that, when left unremedied, the pain tends to get worse. So, if it is really something serious (like cancer, for example), it is essential that the diagnosis is made as soon as possible to increase the chances of a cure.
The earlier the diagnosis, the better the results.
In the case of any illness, the best treatment is always prevention. Overall, the most important pillar starts with a healthy diet and lifestyle. There are even specific diets prescribed for patients with joint pain. In some cases, the correct diet is enough to reduce and even suspend the use of medication. Physical activities are also essential in old age, as well as in any stage of life. Precisely for this reason, there are physiotherapy methods that have innumerable techniques and strategies that are increasingly modern that act to control pain. And, of course, there are hundreds of medications designed to treat the symptoms.
Remember that pain is a response from the body, a warning sign when things are not 100% and need proper attention. Therefore, treatment should be as complete as possible, aiming to reduce symptoms and avoid complications. In this way, the elderly will have a quality of life and a more peaceful and happier routine.