Joint Stiffness

Dear Ashley,
One of the first things you mentioned to me was feeling like you couldn't keep up physically on the trip because you were so worn out and your joints hurt so much.  That must have made the trip so strenuous.  I hope your family remembered to slow down when you felt fatigued, because I know your discomfort fluctuates sometimes.  Here are some suggestions for improving joint stiffness that I found.  Let me know if you want me to keep looking for more!

-Amanda


Limited physical mobility related to joint stiffness secondary to inflammation and decreased strength and endurance as evidenced by client’s complaints of discomfort.

• Assess for acute increases in pain levels that may be impairing her mobility (Carpenito-Moyet, 2010).  Sometimes more pain medications may be necessary to address acute exacerbations of pain in order to promote mobility (Swann, 2010). 
• Assess her specific mobility challenges and do not force exercises that are too uncomfortable (Carpenito-Moyet, 2010).
• Encourage low-impact, gentle exercise, as it can gradually increase endurance and promote general health (Gowdie & Tse, 2012). 
• Encourage regular stretching exercises; patients experiencing limited physical mobility found this relieved joint stiffness (Bazzichi et al., 2010). 
• Encourage use of massage to relieve pain and stiffness.  Many patients have found this to be effective against discomfort in promoting mobility (Bazzichi et al., 2010). 
• Her primary care provider has prescribed nutraceuticals to help with inflammation, an assertion which is somewhat supported by the evidence and may be an effective strategy (Aruoma, 2010).  As a provider of nursing care, I would support her using these as prescribed by her provider and as recommended by the research.
• Refer to physical therapist for interventions targeted specifically to her current mobility and her personal challenges.  Individualized mobility plans have a much greater potential for improving mobility and feeling of well-being than do standardized plans of care (Fregly, Boninger, & Reinkensmeyer, 2012).  A specialist in this area would greatly benefit her.