Common Causes of Pain in Older Adults

Unfortunately, the increase in body pain has grown synonymous with getting older. Most older adults feel discomfort somewhere in the body as they age. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 20 percent of adults in the United States live with chronic pain, meaning the discomfort is intense and persistent. Of those with chronic pain, at least 7 percent say their pain frequently interferes with their life and work. Pain shouldn’t be a regular part of aging. While it’s difficult to prevent all pain, understanding the source of your pain is the first step to finding relief. 

Cause of Pain 

You may experience pain for many reasons, and it’s always essential to contact your doctor to assess your discomfort. A few common causes of pain in older adults include arthritis, fibromyalgia, infection, and overuse. 

Arthritis 

Arthritis is a term used to refer to joint pain. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, all with varying symptoms and causes. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis, most often diagnosed in older adults. All joints have a protective layer of cartilage to keep bones from rubbing together. After years of use, the cartilage begins to wear down. Bones will start to weaken, and connective tissues deteriorate and inflame, causing the discomfort of osteoarthritis. You can develop osteoarthritis anywhere, but it’s most common in the hands, spine, knees, and hips. 

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread pain that lasts for at least three months. It also tends to come with fatigue, mood swings, and memory challenges. Fibromyalgia usually coexists with other health conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety, depression, or migraines. It’s more common in women and those with a family history of fibromyalgia. You’re also more likely to develop it if you have certain types of arthritis, like osteoarthritis or lupus. 

Infection 

According to an article in American Family Physician, infectious diseases contribute to one-third of deaths in people 65 and older. Pain often accompanies infections from bacteria, fungi, or viral pathogens. The pain from an infection can range from mild to severe and is often a signal to visit your doctor before the infection spreads, causing more symptoms like fever and fatigue. 

One of the most common infection-related conditions in seniors is sepsis. Sepsis is the body’s reaction to severe infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it affects nearly 1.7 million Americans. It’s a life-threatening condition that can rapidly trigger tissue damage and organ failure. Signs of sepsis include fever, shivering, high heart rate, weak pulse, confusion, shortness of breath, extreme discomfort, and sweaty skin. 

Overuse

No matter your age, everyone experiences muscle soreness from overuse. Typically individuals will feel discomfort after starting a new workout or spending a lot of time on their feet if they’re not used to it. Older adults may overuse their muscles trying to move objects they once lifted or trying to keep up with younger loved ones on a day out. In most cases, the pain subsides after a few days when rested. However, overused muscles can become sprains, strains, or tears if left untreated. 

Impact of Pain

Pain causes physical discomfort but can negatively impact your life in other ways.

• Limited mobility: Depending on the severity of the pain, you may experience difficulty moving or a loss of motion in the area of the pain. 
• Depression and anxiety: Pain can interfere with your daily life, making it difficult to work or spend time with loved ones. Not being able to live your everyday life can lead to depression, stress, or anxiety. 
• Sleep disturbance: If persistent, pain may make staying and falling asleep challenging. 
• Financial stress: Finding the cause of pain and treating it can be expensive and cause a financial burden on you and your family. 

How Visiting Angels Can Help 

If you’re an older adult with acute or chronic pain and need assistance at home, the team at Visiting Angels can help. Our trained caregivers provide a wide range of at-home care services to help seniors with nonmedical tasks like light housekeeping, meal preparations, medication reminders, and mobility assistance. 

Our Gulf Shores office serves those in the Alabama Gulf Coast, including Gold Shores and Orange Beach. If you’d like to learn more about our at-home care services or schedule your complimentary consultation, send us a message or call 251.943.7525.