Arthritis

Arthritis is a very common condition in Australia affecting people of all ages and from all walks of life. Its symptoms often have a big impact on the daily lives of people. People can be affected in all sorts of different ways but the most common symptoms of arthritis are pain, swelling and stiffness in one or more joints and fatigue. The two most common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body but it usually occurs in large weight-bearing joints such as hips, knees, shoulders and the lower spine. It can also occur in the hands, particularly at the base of the thumb and the end joints of the fingers.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease that causes inflammations of the joints, usually in the hands, feet and knees.  It can also affect other organs in the body.  Women are three times as likely as men to develop rheumatoid arthritis.  It usually starts t o develop between the ages of 25 and 50 years.

There is no cure for osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis but there is a lot you can do to control it, manage the pain and live a full life with the disease:

• see your doctor immediately - an early  diagnosis will reduce pain, minimise deterioration in your condition and help you maintain mobility
• be physically active, especially water therapy and tai chi - these will strengthen supporting muscles and keep your joints flexible. They will also maintain your feeling of wellbeing. Before starting an exercise program talk to your doctor.
• learn pain management techniques -like relaxation, yoga, and using hot and cold packs

Health Solutions article

Arthritis will affect about one person in eight during their lifetime. It is a general term covering over 150 different conditions. Although the word conjures up visions of elderly citizens confined to wheelchairs, unable to do anything for themselves, two out of every three arthritis sufferers are under the age of 65 and mostly lead normal or near-normal lives.

Arthritis means inflammation in joints. The usual symptoms are pain and stiffness. Joints are places where one bone moves against another. The surface of the bone in these situations is covered with cartilage - a smooth “gristly” material. The whole joint is contained in a capsule, which is lined with a tissue called the synovial membrane. This membrane secretes synovial fluid, which lubricates the cartilages’ surfaces as they move against each other, allowing them to slide smoothly, rather like oil lubricating the pistons in an engine, Arthritis occurs when something is wrong in this system.

Of the many types of arthritis, the most common is osteoarthritis.  Sometimes called degenerative arthritis this can be thought of as the ‘wear and tear’ form of the disease. It tends to affect people as they get older and particularly affects joints that have to take a lot of stresses and strains such as the weight bearing joints in the hips and knees. The lower back, neck and hands are also commonly affected.
In osteoarthritis the cartilage surfaces are damaged and worn, sometimes to the point where the underlying bone surfaces are in direct contact with each other.

In rheumatoid arthritis the main problem is inflammation of the synovial membrane and in gout (which many people don’t realise is a form of arthritis), inflammation occurs in the synovial fluid due to tiny crystals of uric acid.

There are many aspects to the treatment for arthritis.

• Exercise is very important because it increases lubrication of the joints and strengthens the surrounding muscles, putting less stress on joints. Exercise in heated swimming pools — hydrotherapy — can bring enormous relief to pain and stiffness.
• Medication in one form or another is usually necessary for painful arthritis. Simple over-the-counter drugs such as paracetemol and asprin may be enough. Many people benefit from taking Glucosamine tablets on a long-term basis. Sometimes specific drugs, known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used. These can be very effective, but must be taken with care by those who are prone to indigestion and stomach ulcers. Some newer drugs, known as Cox 2 inhibitors, have fewer of these side-effects but must be used with caution because of possible effects on the heart.
• Surgery now has an increasing place in the treatment of arthritis. Replacement of badly affected joints such as hips and knees can dramatically improve the outlook and techniques are continually improving the management of hand and shoulder problems.

Because arthritis is a common, chronic, disease there are many ‘old-wives tales’ about effective treatments. In particular special diets or particular foods may be recommended. There is little scientific evidence that diet can affect arthritis except for the benefits achieved by weight loss in overweight people. Patients should beware of paying high prices for special foods or supplements sold as “cures” for arthritis.