What is arthritis?

Arthritis is inflammation of one, or usually several, joints of the limbs or spine.The two main types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid.

The most common is osteoarthritis, caused by damage or wear and tear, and affecting the smooth, shiny cartilage that covers the end of the bones where they come into contact. The affected joints become stiff and painful, and in time the bone around them becomes roughened and knobbly. It has the potential to happen to all of us to some extent, but in a small minority, the osteoarthritis becomes severe and crippling.

Knobbly fingers and knees are common in people after middle age, and osteoarthritis can affect the hips, big toes, the neck, and the lower back. The condition also develops in joints damaged by repeated small injuries – in footballers’ knees, for example. Osteoarthritis is usually a slow disease – unlike some other forms of arthritis, which may progress rapidly in young adults. If you have one or more joints that gradually stiffen and become more
uncomfortable over a period of years, the most likely cause is osteoarthritis. If you think you may have it, you should go and see your doctor to confirm the diagnosis.

What types of medicines can help with the pain?

The pain of osteoarthritis can be relieved by analgesics (painkillers) such as aspirin, paracetamol, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. All of these are available from your pharmacist once your doctor has discussed the best course of treatment. If you need to take medicines regularly, it is important to
report any problems to your doctor since, in some people, these drugs may cause gastric (stomach) problems. If your doctor prescribes other painkilling drugs, never mix these with over-thecounter treatments without checking with the pharmacist.

 

There is some evidence that chrondroitin sulphate and glucosamine can help cartilage regenerate, or at least slow down the progress of osteoarthritis. This supplement is widely available from pharmacies and health shops. Similar claims have been made for the supplement chondroitin sulphate. but so far there is less scientific evidence for
it. Some experts beleive both supplements are best taken together.

Both cod liver oil and evening primrose oil are rich in oils that may benefit joints, which makes them popular with arthritis sufferers, but there are some cautions to bear in mind. Pregnant women should avoid cod liver oil and evening primrose oil. Anyone with epilepsy should not take evening primrose oil.

 

 

You should, in any case, talk to your doctor if the pain is severe enough to limit your daily activities. You may be referred to a rheumatologist (a hospital specialist in joint diseases) or to an orthopaedic surgeon. Tens of thousands of people have been restored to an active life by having an arthritic hip or knee joint replaced by an artificial one. Other joints may also be replaced in this way. The operations are available on the National Health
Service, although waiting times do vary around the country. If you re on a long waiting list for a joint replacement operation, you should ask your doctor if you could be referred for physiotherapy or hydrotherapy so that you can be taught safe forms of exercise to keep you as fit as possible and help relieve the pain. If you find it
increasingly difficult to carry on your daily activities, for example getting in and out of the bath, ask your GP or social services department to refer you to an Occupational Therapist (OT). Occupational Therapists can provide a range of aids and techniques to make life easier.

Arthritis that has come on suddenly, especially in a young person, is likely to have some cause other than wear and tear. If you have one  or more joints that have recently become painful, swollen, hot, and stiff, you should consult your doctor. Other causes of arthritis include septic arthritis (due to infection), gout (due to uric acid crystals in a joint) and rheumatoid arthritis (due to an auto-immune process).

What can you do to help yourself?

 

Firstly, where it is possible, there is exercise. Although joints can be damaged through over-use (marathon runners, for instance, may have all sorts of problems) the joints work best if they are kept supple by regular use. Try to put your joints through their full range of movement every day. This helps reduce stiffness and preserve mobility. So take a regular walk, keep up with any sport such as golf, tennis or swimming, but try to avoid prolonged, heavy exercise that tires you out.

 

Many people with arthritis in their joints are overweight.Your doctor or pharmacist will advise you on the right weight for your height, and you should aim for this by combining regular exercise with a healthy balanced diet.

 

Other ways of helping yourself are:

- applying gentle heat to stiff and painful joints for 20 minutes up to three times a day; various deep heat lotions, heating pads, infrared lamps and hot baths can also be used to relieve pain

- applying pulsed electromagnetic wave therapy

- swimming in a heated pool

- massaging the muscles around the joints

- sleeping on a firm orthopaedic mattress to ease pain in the back

- keep warm in winter with layers of lightweight but warm clothing, such as garments made of synthetic fleece