Arthritis and Joint Pain: Causes, Symptoms, Home Remedies

Arthritis is an inflammation of one or more joints caused by the wear and tear injury or any infection. This inflamed condition of the joints is mostly seen in the elderly people. It comes from two Greek words, athron meaning joints and itis meaning inflammation. It affects almost half of the population of the world. About 50 million people in the United States suffer from one or the other type of arthritis. It is more common than cancer and heart problems. In brief we can say that it is the condition that affects the health of the bone joints in the body.

Arthritis refers to the more than 100 distinct diseases that cause pain and swelling, and limit movement in joints and connective tissue . The common types of arthritis are-

Osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis

Gout

Osteoarthritis results from the loss of bone tissue from the joints and is also known as degenerative arthritis. It mostly occurs with the preceding age. Rheumatoid arthritis affects the people above the age of 40. It is more dangerous than osteoarthritis as it affects the ligaments and tendons that join the bones and muscles. Gout mostly affects men who are above the age of 40 years and is caused by the excess accumulation of uric acid in the spaces between the joints causing intense pain and inflammation of the joints.

The various symptoms of arthritis are:

Joint pain

Swelling of joints

Limitation of movement

Swelling of joints

Stiffness of the joints

There are many types of arthritis and each of them has a different cause of occurrence.

The common causes of arthritis are:

Obesity and overweight

Preceding age

Heredity factors

Hormonal changes

Weather changes

Excessive acid in the body

Nutrient deficiencies

Home remedies for Arthritis

Two teaspoons of lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey taken in a cup of warm water twice daily is highly beneficial for the treatment of arthritis.

Half teaspoon of turmeric powder taken with warm water twice a day is also effective in curing arthritis.

Application of hot packs and ice packs for 10 minutes also provides relief from joint pains.

Drinking alfalfa tea twice daily is also beneficial for the treatment of arthritis.

Drink some radish juice with sugar added to it.

Soak Spiegel seeds in water, make a poultice and apply it on the joints for immediate relief from pain.

Natural Solution: Arthcare Oil - An Anti-inflammatory Herbal massage oil. http://www.ayurvediccure.com/arthcareoil.htm

Arthcare is an anti-inflammatory herbal oil which not only gives relief from arthritis pain but also strengthens the bone tissues, the skeletal and the neuromuscular systems, giving a comfortable movements of joints and muscles.

JOINT PAIN

Joint pain is on of the symptoms of arthritis. It affects one or more joints. Many types of injuries or conditions can cause it. Joint pain can also be caused by the inflammation of the bursae known as bursitis. The bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion and pad bony prominences, allowing free movement of muscles and tendons over the bone.

The other causes of joint pain are:

Joint injury

Infections like viral infections, bacterial infections etc.

Joint strains

Auto-immune diseases

Nervous system disorder

Home remedies for Joint Pain

Warm baths is the highly beneficial water treatment for the joint pains.

Drink 15 grams of fresh bathu juice daily with an empty stomach without adding any salt or sugar to it.

Massaging the affected area with any oil will provide relief from the pain.

Drink a cup of papaya seed tea six or seven times daily for two or three weeks for relief from joint pain.

Eat porridge of 2 teaspoonfuls of winter cherry with ghee and molasses with an empty stomach for 15 days.

Diet also plays an important role in the treatment of arthritis and joint pain. Improvement in the digestion and metabolism of the body is very important for the treatment. Heavy meals, meat and fish, sour fruits and fried foods should be avoided, as they are difficult to digest. Consumption of rice during nighttime should be avoided. Among fruits bananas are considered best as they provide strength to the joints and grease them. Carrot juice is highly beneficial as it strengthens the ligaments. Besides diet rest is also important for the patients suffering from arthritis and joint pain.

Natural Solution: Arthcare Oil - An Anti-inflammatory Herbal massage oil.

Arthcare is an anti-inflammatory herbal oil which not only gives a relief from joint pains but also strengthens the bone tissues, the skeletal and the neuromuscular systems, giving a comfortable movements of joints and muscles.

Is Arthritis Genetic?

There is some debate among experts about the causes of arthritis. There are just so many different types that it is hard to pinpoint what actually will cause this disease. However one factor comes across as a prevalent one when it comes to considering this issue.

The one question you should ask when considering this issue is whether arthritis is genetic? There are many indications to prove that genetics have a large bearing on whether a person will develop certain forms of arthritis. There are so many types of arthritis that we cannot discuss all of them here. These are a few of the common ones.

Rheumatoid arthritis and the HLA-DR4 gene: Research shows that the HLA-DR4 gene is one of the main factors in whether a person will develop arthritis and how severely they will suffer from the disease. Rheumatoid arthritis is especially affected by this gene. This is partly due to the fact that this form of arthritis is linked with the malfunctioning of the immune system. This disease will create swollen and deformed joints.

Osteoarthritis also runs in families: I have personally seen this in my own family and research has shown this to be true. This form of arthritis is the wearing away of the cartilage and drying of the synovial fluid around the joint and is caused by wear and tear, but you will find some active people are more prone than others to this disease. Scientists have discovered that one of the factors affecting this is a genetic mutation in type II collagen that is present in some families. This leads to a faster breakdown of the joint cartilage. Because of these genetic factors you will find this type of arthritis running in families.

Ankylosing spondylitis: this form of arthritis affects people in their teens, 20's and 30's. It is a progressive disease that fuses the spine making it difficult for the patient to bend or stand up straight. The TASC or Australo-Anglo-American Spondylitis Consortium, identified genes ANTXR2 and IL1R2, IL23R and ERAP1 as being responsible for this type of arthritis. This proves the fact that genetics also play a role in whether some people will develop this type of arthritis.

In view of this evidence gene therapy is being researched widely to find permanent cures for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The first documented trials were done in 1996 and were done with rheumatoid arthritis patients, further research was then done with osteoarthritis.

What Is the Significant Difference Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are two widely different forms of arthritis, which is a general term that features over 100 rheumatoid disorders.

Although the two forms can produce a lot of pain like upper knee pain, the biggest difference between them is the fact that rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease whereas osteoarthritis is an organic results of aging. Osteoarthritis (OA) is often known as degenerative arthritis while rheumatoid arthritis is also degenerative.

An additional way to characterize the visible difference connecting RA and OA is that, rheumatoid arthritis is about inflammation of the tissue around the joints while osteoarthritis concerns degeneration of the cartilage involving the joints.

Rheumatoid arthritis is thrice prevalent in women than in men and exists in about 1% of the total population in the United States. Generally impacts the smaller joints of the hands, wrists, feet and generally takes place concurrently on both sides of the body. It is an inflammatory ailment that affects the synovial membrane surrounding joints, therefore thickening the membrane and consequently causing the joints to lose their normal capability to function.

This ailment can happen in children as well as older people, even though during periods of remission, there is no pain present like Knee Pain.

There is swollen knee pain indicating joint inflammation and may even be warm to touch, systemic symptoms which includes fever, general fatigue or body stiffness enduring more than one hour. Joints are affected on both sides. A positive blood test for RA auto-antibodies. The lungs, heart and kidney may also be affected.

Osteoarthritis is way more common and less incapacitating when compared with rheumatoid arthritis. It is regarded as a disease of aging and while it is common in people over 60 years of age, younger individuals are affected from it since bodies aged at a different rate.

The chief force behind OA is wear on joint cartilage, which work as shock absorbers that prevent bones from rubbing together. When cartilage is impaired caused by excessive use or injury, it results in OA, leading to joint inflammation and swelling in the joints. Whenever bones begin rubbing against each other, Knee Pain develops.

Arthritis Treatment: Focus On Muscular Stiffness, Joint Swelling, And Cartilage Repair

Effective arthritis treatment reduces inflammation in arthritic joints and creates an atmosphere for the body to repair its own cartilage deterioration. The best way to reduce inflammation is to lengthen all the muscles that attach to or surround the arthritic joint. Cartilage regeneration is also possible if excessive muscular tension is removed from the arthritic joint. Joints typically affected by arthritis are: knee, neck, shoulder, low back, hip, spine, hand or thumb, foot or toe. Regardless of the joint, the best way to treat arthritis is Active Isolated Stretching (AIS) therapy.

Arthritis therapy must address muscular inflexibility, because it is always a principle factor in arthritis pain. Joints are surrounded by muscles. Tightness in muscles cause joint inflammation and cartilage deterioration: two conditions that cause pain in arthritis sufferers. Joint inflammation causes swelling, which induces pain by pressing on the nerves. Furthermore, muscle strains on the arthritic joint cause a wearing down of cartilage. Cartilage is the shock absorber between joints. Both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are affected by joint inflammation and cartilage degeneration. Both rheumatoid arthritis sufferers and osteoarthritis sufferers must resolve muscular stiffness as part of their treatment plan. Optimal muscle lengthening is high value treatment for all types of arthritis.

Dr. Arthur Grayzel, former medical director of the Arthritis foundation is quoted in the book Keys to Understanding Arthritis, by Elizabeth Vierck. Dr. Grayzel states that "as people age, muscles lose their elasticity, leading to a reduced range of motion (page 11)." Limited range of motion causes cartilage deterioration. As the area of joint movement decreases, the joint begins to burrow a hole in the cartilage because it constantly treads in the same small area. Active Isolated Stretching therapy increases the range of motion in arthritic joints. As unnecessary muscular tension is taken off the joint, the joint will move in a greater surface area throughout the joint. Ceasing the process of cartilage degeneration.

Leon Sokoloff, M.D. examined cartilage regeneration. His findings are discussed in the book Healing Joint Pain Naturally by Ellen Hodgson Brown. Dr. Sokoloff states that "new cartilage could grow on bones but the real problem is the stress on the joint that keeps intervening and preventing this process (page 22)." If Dr. Sokoloff had studied Active Isolated Stretching, he would have discovered the critical link that helps arthritis sufferers naturally repair their cartilage. The stress on the joint that prevents new cartilage to grow on bones is excessive muscular tension.

In AIS treatment: circulation is refreshed into the problem area; stagnant waste products move out of the arthritic joint; fresh oxygen and nutrition move into the arthritic joint. The condition of cells surrounding the arthritic joint are improved, all of which facilitates cartilage regeneration.

The endorsement of stretching for arthritis pain is nothing new. But Active Isolated Stretching is an optimized form of stretching that is fifteen times more effective than older modalities. Conventional stretching, pnf stretching, yoga, and Thai massage have been incompetent in lengthening muscles. Optimal stretching cannot occur if the stretch hold is done for more than two seconds. Stretches done in repetition are better than one long stretch. The target muscle cannot stretch if the muscle is contracting, so stretch position must be reexamined. And target muscles cannot fully open if the lateral muscle fibers are not addressed. These points are only addressed in Active Isolated Stretching. Active Isolated Stretching reduces joint inflammation and facilitates cartilage regeneration by getting to the source of the problem.

Alternative Treatment For Arthritis

There are thousands of people worldwide who suffer from arthritis, and the one thing these people all have in common is that they want it cured. However, not everyone is happy to go down the medical route these days, in fact, the demand for natural arthritis treatments are growing by the day.

There are two basic arthritis treatments they are "natural" and "man made" medications. Importantly, effective natural arthritis treatments should be based around natural substances, which clinical studies show help to not only relieve the symptoms of arthritis but also address and remove the root cause. As you may imagine, because of this, natural arthritis treatments are gaining more popularity and world-wide attention in treating arthritis and also providing gentle joint pain relief in a natural way. If you were to go down the man made route for treatment to improve functioning, slowing down or stopping joint damage, relieving inflammation, and reducing pain, then typically, the kind of arthritis treatments you can expect are comprised of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Cox-2 inhibitors, corticosteroids. Or, you could go down the route of surgery. The most common types of surgeries arearthroscopic debridement and lavage. The dangers of using drugs as arthritis treatments are well known and documented so is it any wonder people are going natural.

Arthritis is painful, and because of this sufferers are desperate for pain relief, and increasingly more and more people have found their treatments don't work or have lost faith in modern medicine and, because of this, now find alternative treatments very interesting. There are many different types of remedies. Some natural Remedies including simple exercises, often provide arthritis pain relief, depending on the type of arthritis the patient is afflicted with. Also, there are types of natural arthritis treatments for rheumatoid arthritis that will help reduce the inflammation. For some sufferers this is more acceptable than even non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Don't forget that when you use a treatment like exercise to reduce joint pain, then you are also going to get an increase in range of motion and additional muscle strength, which is all good for your health in general. Plants, vitamins and minerals are also believed to be natural arthritis treatments. Also you can include in your diet some natural anti-inflammatory herbs like ginger and celery seed, as these may also be useful in the fight against rheumatoid arthritis pain. Even bee venom has been used as natural arthritis treatments. Natural therapies sometimes take longer to show results, but, in the long run, they may be just as effective as conventional treatment -- without the side effects.

One other area to look carefully at is your daily diet. The relationship between diet and arthritis has been the subject of exploration, claims, and controversies since the 1930s. There is no debate, however, about the advantages of a healthy diet, after all you cannot build good health on a bad diet. A major source of inspiration to arthritis researchers is the Mediterranean diet. The reason being is that the Mediterranean diet is known to be rich in heart-healthy fibre and nutrients, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. Also the Mediterranean diet is known specifically for its use of olive oil. One 1999 study found some evidence that a high intake of olive oil and cooked vegetables reduced the risk of arthritis. Also Mediterranean people or known to enjoy a daily glass or two of wine, more specifically it is red wine that is encouraged. Also their diet is high in a good protein source which is primarily from fish, which might be specifically helpful for patients. So all this taken into account shows that there is an alternative to reduce your arthritis pain.

An Overview of Common Inflammatory Arthritis Types

Inflammatory arthritis is arthritis which will inflame the joints. There are many types of this type of arthritis, but to simplify it, I am only going to go over a few types and tell what these types are specifically.

One of the most common inflammatory arthritis types is rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause a variety of joint pain symptoms as well as other symptoms that make you feel unwell. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are those such as:

1. Intensive joint pains

2. Inflammation of the joints causing swelling

3. Sometimes you may have a rash

4. Fever may be present

Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis involves something called a SED-RATE blood test. This test will show abnormal results in mostly all people that have rheumatoid arthritis. Another very important test the rheumatologist will certainly do is the blood test which tells the rheumatoid factor in the blood. That factor is always high in the case of  people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Upon finding out that Rheumatoid Arthritis is the case, treatments will begin with anti-inflammatory drugs along with a cancer fighting drug called Methotrexate, which my mom has taken for years for rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate does wonders for pain reduction of rheumatoid arthritis and helps the person be able to live a happier pain-free life.

Doctors might also use steroid pills or injections to reduce the pain from Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Another inflammatory arthritis type is actually Systemic Lupus. Systemic Lupus is very debilitating over time to the person who has it. The disease brings on symptoms such as:

1. Joint pains, inflammation, and a lot of swelling in the extrem0.0Inflammatory arthritis is arthritis which will inflame the joints. There are many types of this type of arthritis, but to simplify it, I am only going to go over a few types and tell what these types are specifically.

First, you must understand that any type of inflammatory arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune diseases are those which causes the immune system to launch an attack on its own antibodies, causing various types of medical problems. Inflammatory arthritis is arthritis which will inflame the joints. There are many types of this type of arthritis, but to simplify it, I am only going to go over a few types and tell what these types are specifically.

2. There is definitely skin rashes in many places. 3. Headaches 4. Fevers occur 5. Infections, colds, and flu

Systemic Lupus can be very mild, or very severe. Instead of your immune system creating healthy antibodies, in Systemic Lupus, your immune system prefers to create antibodies that attack major organs.

Treatment for Systemic Lupus involves treating the symptoms that radiate from the disease since there is no cure at this time. Drugs that  have an anti-inflammatory effect may help, and a diet that contains foods with properties which help bone and joint pains may ease some of the joint discomfort.

Skin medications and creams may help the various skin type of problems with lupus as well as staying out of the bright sunlight.

Another commonly heard about inflammatory arthritis type is Reiter's Syndrome. Reiter's Syndrome is just as bad as Systemic Lupus in that it causes a lot of joint pain and inflammation, and is very life-limiting as far as being free from pain. This condition is one of those joint diseases that progresses step-by-step, going so far as to affect the eyes conjunctiva, tendons that are latched on to the joints, and the whole body's bone structures, (meaning the skeleton). Interestingly enough, this inflammatory arthritis type comes from sexually transmitted diseases. Venereal diseases carry many types of bacteria strains that cause this dreadful disease.

Symptoms of Reiter's Syndrome are:

1. Genitalia pain since it is coming from bacterias there
2. Multiple joint pains all over the body such as elbows, knees, foot joints, and every possible joint thought of.
3. It is common to have many sores and many rashes

People with Reiter's Syndrome are helped up to a point with anti-inflammatory medications, and possibly Methotrexate, heat therapies for all of the joint pains, and nutritional changes may help.

If the underlying venereal disease is cured or controlled, a lot of the pain from Reiter's Syndrome will clear up since this is the main cause to begin with. To avoid Reiter's Syndrome to begin with, be aware of venereal disease with your sexual partner.

Ankylosing Spondylitis is an inflammatory type of arthritis caused by many years of doing athletics. After a certain number of years as an athlete, bones and ligaments get torn. If this sports related injury is not treated on an ongoing basis, then bone problems will continue progressing until Ankylosing Spondylitis developments within the connective tissues.

This bone issue begins within the sacroiliac joints. This is where both the pelvis and lower spine join together. The symptoms are:

1. Intense back pains
2. Tiredness
3. Trouble with relaxation and breathing very deeply
4. Painful, swollen, red eyes

Treatment for Ankylosing Spondylitis involves getting the immune system back up to where it should be, and the use of steroids and doing blood testing trying to find the reasons for antibodies not functioning properly in the first place. Some of the causes can be due to allergies in foods, and other infectious cycles taking place within the body itself.

Age and Age Related Change

1. Brain: Memory and Alzheimer's Disease

Many people become anxious about developing memory impairments as they transition into being senior citizens and begin to worry that forgetting details is the first sign of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Confusion and loss of memory were thought to be inevitable parts of aging in the past, but we now know that people can still be able and alert despite aging. Senior citizens and those responsible for providing their elder care should be aware of these changes in memory and work to prevent, identify, and treat them.

Over the past several years, researchers have been looking at a type of cognitive change known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI). This is separate from cognitive changes related to aging and often progresses to AD over some years. Senior citizens with amnestic MCI have a specific memory difficulty and have ongoing problems with memory, but they do not develop other losses seen in AD like confusion, attention problems, and problems with language.

2. Bones and Joints

As we age, our bones and movable joints are subject to wear and tear. The most common conditions among senior citizens in this area of the body are as follows:

Osteoporosis. This is a disease that causes bones mainly in the hips, backbone, and wrists to weaken to the point of breaking easily. As people, especially women, age into their 40s and 50s, bones start to weaken, and the outer shell of the bone gets thinner.

Arthritis. This is not one type of disease; there are many types of arthritis, and each has different symptoms and treatments. In general, arthritis can become a problem in most any joint in the body. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type in senior citizens. It begins when cartilage begins to wear away, and at its worst, all the cartilage in a joint is worn away, causing bare bones to painfully rub against each other. Conversely, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. People with RA have immune systems that attack the lining of their joints as if it were an injury or disease. It leads to inflammation in the joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness for hours.

Consuming enough calcium and vitamin D and including regular weight-bearing exercise in your lifestyle are extremely important in preventing weak bones in senior citizens. Methods of improving quality of life and reducing the symptoms of osteoarthritis include weight loss and exercises in light resistance and flexibility. In rheumatoid arthritis, the most effective treatment is drug therapy to modify the immune system response and decrease joint damage.

3. Eyes and Ears: Eyesight and Hearing Changes with Age

Eyesight usually declines around age 40, and cataracts and macular degeneration may develop around age 60. Hearing weakens with age.

Sight:

Presbyopia. This is a gradual loss of ability to see objects close to you or read small print. This condition is normal in senior citizens, and a usual treatment is simply to get a pair of reading glasses.

Cataracts. These are areas of cloudiness in the lens of the eye that cause loss of sight. Generally, these form slowly without symptoms, and some remain small and do not interfere with vision. Others may grow large or dense, harming vision. Cataract surgery, which is very safe and common, can be very helpful.

Glaucoma. This is a result of fluid inside the eye causing too much pressure. Gradually, this pressure can damage the optic nerve, leading to loss of vision and blindness. Often, senior citizens with glaucoma lack early symptoms of pain or pressure, but annual eye exams that include dilating your pupils can protect you from developing this disease.

Retinal disorders. These disorders are some of the most common causes of blindness in the United States. The most prevalent among senior citizens is age-related macular degeneration (AMD), which affects the area of the retina that provides sharp central vision. Treatment of AMD includes photodynamic therapy, which uses a drug and a strong light to delay the progress of the disorder. Another common retinal disorder is a degenerative disease that affects vision and is called diabetic retinopathy. It is important that senior citizens seek appropriate medical care, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and have frequent follow-ups to help reduce its prevalence.

Two new drugs, ranibizumab (Lucentis) and bevacizumab (Avastin), are now being used to treat neovascular macular degeneration in senior citizens.

Hearing:

Presbycusis. This is slowly progressing hearing loss caused by aging.

Tinnitus. This is a ringing, roaring, or other noise that may come with hearing loss. It may be caused by loud noise, hearing loss, some medicines, and other health problems like allergies or problems in the heart and blood vessels.

4. Digestive and Metabolic.

Gastrointestinal problems are more common in senior citizens. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is when the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) fails to close properly, causing the contents of the stomach to leak back-or reflux-into the esophagus. If this sensation of heartburn happens more than two times per week, it may be considered to be GERD, which can lead to more serious health risks.

Many senior citizens are pre-diabetic, which raises their risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

5. Urogenital.

Incontinence. This is the term for loss of bladder control, from mild leaking to uncontrollable wetting, that is very common in senior citizens. It is not caused by aging alone; factors causing it may be urinary tract infections, vaginal infection or irritation, constipation, or certain medicines. Many cases of incontinence can be controlled or cured with treatment, so it is important to talk to a doctor or another involved in your elder care about this.

Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). The urethra, which passes urine, is surrounded by the prostate gland. Since the prostate gland grows with age, it may begin to squeeze the urethra. Tumors in the prostate may also contribute to this problem. This growth or unrelated infections may cause problems with passing urine. Some men experience this symptom in their 30s or 40s, whereas others do not notice this until a later age.

Prostate cancer. This is the second most common type of cancer in men in the United States. Frequent check-ups are important in identifying and treating this disease.

6. Dental: gingivitis, periodontitis, loss of teeth.

Tooth decay can occur regardless of age as long as you have natural teeth. It ruins the enamel that covers and protects the teeth. Plaque forms when you neglect your teeth and bacteria clings to them, forming a sticky, colorless film that can lead to cavities and tooth decay. Another factor in causing tooth decay is gum disease. Using a fluoride toothpaste can help protect your teeth, as it is just as helpful for senior citizens as it is for children.

Gum diseases. These are sometimes called periodontal or gingival diseases, and they are infections that harm the gum and bone holding the teeth in place. If plaque stays on the teeth for too long, it forms tartar, which brushing doesn't clean and which continues to damage the teeth. When plaque and tartar remain on the teeth, gingivitis is formed. Gingivitis can form areas in which your gums lift away from your teeth, forming easily infected pockets. This is called periodontitis, which, if not properly treated, can ruin the bones, gums, and tissue supporting the teeth. It could even loosen your teeth in time, warranting removal of those teeth.

7. Skin Care for the Elderly.

Staying out of the sun is the easiest and least expensive way of avoiding skin damage. Sunlight is the main cause of our changing appearance as we age-including wrinkles, age spots, and dryness. Smoking can also increase the number of visible wrinkles because the chemicals in cigarettes damage elastin proteins in the skin. Skin changes with age; for example, you sweat less as you get older, leading to more dryness. Skin also loses fat, causing it to appear less smooth. Still, senior citizens can take steps to protect themselves from the sun's harmful effects.

Dry skin. This appears mainly on the lower legs, elbows, and forearms and affects many senior citizens. Skin may feel rough, scaly, and itchy. This could be aggravated by low humidity, which can be worsened by overheating in the winter and air conditioning in the summer. Dryness is also caused by the loss of sweat and oil glands that accompanies aging. Other things that may lead to dry skin are overusing soaps, antiperspirants, perfumes, and hot baths or dehydration, sun exposure, smoking, and stress.

Skin cancer. This is the most common kind of cancer in the United States. Three types of skin cancer are the most prevalent. These include basal cell carcinomas, the most common, which grow slowly and rarely spread; squamous cell carcinomas, which seldom spread but do so more often than basal cell carcinomas; and the most dangerous common skin cancer, melanoma, which can (often fatally) spread to other organs.

Shingles. This affects nerves, causing pain and blisters in senior citizens. It is caused by the same virus that afflicts people with chickenpox. After you recover from chickenpox, the virus remains in some of your nerve cells and, for reasons unknown, can become active again rather than remaining inactive. This regained activity produces shingles.

Senior citizens with shingles feel sick with a rash on their body or face. Shingles targets older people rather than children, and about 20 percent of people who have had chickenpox as children will develop shingles after the age of 50.

8. Functional Abilities.

Senior citizens often suffer from injuries caused by falling. This may be caused by other changes, including loss of sight, hearing, muscle strength, coordination, or reflexes. Diabetes, heart disease, or complications with your circulation or nervous system may negatively affect balance, and some medicines can cause dizziness. Any of these could cause a senior citizen to be more prone to falling.

As with most problems experienced by senior citizens, the better you take care of yourself, the less prone you will be to falling. A test called a bone mineral density test can tell you how strong your bones are. If necessary, your doctor can use the results of this test to prescribe medications that will make your bones stronger and less likely to break.