Mobility Solutions for Patients with Arthritis in Houston

The most common signs of arthritis focus on the joins. Some symptoms may include:

• Pain
• Stiffness
• Swelling
• Redness
• Decreased Range of Motion

The different stages of Arthritis vary based on the type a patient is diagnosed with. Typically, the early stages of arthritis will begin with wear-and-tear in the joints and light pain in the affected area. Most likely, these early symptoms will be left untreated. 

Stage 2 is when more noticeable changes occur and can usually be spotted in an X-ray. Growths will begin to form where bones meet each other in the joint (bone spurs). If sitting or lying for an extended period of time, the affected area will begin to feel stiff and uncomfortable. 

Stage 3 is when the cartilage in the area affected begins to erode and the gap between bone and joint starts to narrow. The joint will become inflamed and there will be discomfort during normal daily living. 

Stage 4 is the most severe stage and that means that is also the most painful. In this stage, cartilage has almost completely eroded and that leads to the joints becoming inflamed. The bone spurs that had started to form in the early stages have now spread and are often very painful. Typically, this stage can lead to knee/hip replacement surgery. 

LiveWell has a wide range of mobility products that can support a higher quality of life for patients living with Arthritis. 

LiveWell Products that can assist with Activities of Daily Living:

Bathroom remodeling to include a zero-entry shower

• When Arthritis becomes a problem in the knees or hips, patients realize quickly that they will need to make modifications to their home for safety and accessibility purposes. Modifications to the bathroom will be important to the patient. Installing a raised toilet seat with arms can make using the restroom a little easier. A zero-entry shower that has no threshold is very helpful because it removes any tripping hazard. 

Grab Bars

• Patients with Arthritis may find that they need a little extra support as they are walking or moving about their home. Grab bars help to sustain balance and prevent falls and injuries and should be installed in the shower and beside toilets. Standing grab bars are a great solution beside beds and when there are glass shower doors and no good location for mounting a traditional grab bar. 

Stairlifts 

• Living with Arthritis in a home with stairs can be very difficult. Oftentimes, certain areas of the home become off limits because they simply aren’t accessible. Navigating the stairs and maintaining accessibility to all rooms of the home does not have to be a difficult process. Adding a stairlift to the home removes any mobility barriers for a patient living with Arthritis. The stairlift moves on a track up and down the stairs. The seat has a seatbelt and is controlled by a device on the arm rest. 

In-home elevator

• When a patient with Arthritis begins to show signs of pain when walking up the stairs, it may be time to consider adding an in-home elevator. There are several types of elevators that can be used. Standard residential elevators require a pit and an elevator shaft. LiveWell’s innovative through-the-floor home lifts require no elevator shaft and can be freestanding. An inclined or vertical platform lift is perfect for accessibility for wheelchair users. Vertical platform lifts can be used indoor or outdoor and have an open platform. They take up less space than a ramp.

Ramps

• As Arthritis progresses and the patient’s joints become more painful, entering and exiting the home may become a problem if there are stairs or uneven, rough terrain. A ramp can remove any barriers to entry and provide a safer way to enter and exit. Ramps come in all shapes and sizes and are custom fitted to the home. They can be made out of wood or metal, depending on the patient’s needs. 
   

Lift Chairs

• Lift Chairs are used for patients who struggle to raise and lower themselves from a seated position without help. They ensure that patients can sit and stand in a safe, controlled manner without a caregiver’s help to reduce the risk of falls or related injuries. This also helps to enhance the patient’s sense of independence and normalcy as long as possible. The comfort and safety aspect of the chair allows for patients to be comfortable while maximizing pain relief. 

Power Scooters or Chairs

• Staying active and mobile is always of the utmost importance, and power scooters can help do just that in a safe and stress-free way. Power scooters are battery powered mobility devices that allow patients to travel to places without having to walk or, if close by, drive. Vehicle lifts or hitch-mounted lifts can be used to transport the power scooter or chair wherever needed. 
• There are a variety of power scooters available and the type needed is based on various factors: where and how patients plan on using their scooter, specific mobility needs, and budget. 

While living with Arthritis can be painful at times, LiveWell and our wide variety of products can help to ensure that mobility isn’t an issue. Our products and services can make any room in the home safer and more accessible for those that are dealing with Arthritis. Contact us today to schedule a free in-home consultation. Our team of experts can evaluate the home and provide a thorough proposal of all available options.