Arthritis is the inflammation of joints causing pain and stiffness which can worsen with age.
Arthritis affects approximately 4 million people in Australia and is the second most common cause of early retirement due to ill-health.
There are many different types of arthritis, some occur in children and others will affect people of all ages and backgrounds.
The symptoms may be intermittent or long-term and can affect a range of motion. Simply walking or climbing stairs can be difficult due to the pain, stiffness and/or swelling.
Common Types of Arthritis
Degenerative
Commonly occurs when the cartilage around the bones wears away, resulting in bone rubbing against bone.
Inflammatory (e.g. Rheumatoid Arthritis)
This is where the immune system attacks with sporadic inflammation, eroding the joints. This can be caused by genetic factors as well as environmental triggers, including smoking.
Infectious
Inflammation resulting from various bacteria, viral and fungal infections such as Salmonella and Hepatitis C.
Metabolic (e.g. Gout)
This is where crystals form in and around the joints, particularly the fingers and toes.
Symptoms of Arthritis
Typical symptoms of arthritis can include:
- Pain, ranging from mild to severe. Painful areas can include hips, knees, fingers and toes
- Stiffness or reduced movement of a joint when walking, going up/down stairs, getting out of bed or a chair
- Swelling, redness or warmth in a joint which is sore and tender to touch
- Feeling weak in the joints
- Grating pain, like bone rubbing on bone
- Joint deformity and bone spurs, where the joints are surrounded by lumps of bone
How to Manage Arthritis
Most types of arthritis can be managed with the right treatment. Early diagnosis is important to prevent further damage to your joints. There is currently no cure for most forms of arthritis, however the condition can be managed to help ease the strain of performing daily activities. Protecting your joints is the key to limiting further damage.
Exercise
Exercise mobilises joints, strengthens the surrounding muscles to support and protect your joints, and helps to prevent scar tissue from forming. Exercise also helps to improve circulation and remove the build-up of toxins.
Heat Compresses
Applying heat compresses can help to relax the muscles and relieve joint stiffness. It is also useful in warming up joints before any activity.
Massages
Massage can temporarily help with pain and improve blood circulation in joints and muscles.
Pain Management
There are various approaches to managing pain, including pacing and modifying daily routines and activities. Relaxation techniques can help to reduce stress and anxiety that may aggravate pain.
Medication and Supplements
Medication or supplements may assist with pain and inflammation, either temporarily or longer-term like a sustained release paracetamol.
Anti-inflammatory medicines may also assist in short term relief of muscular pain, while medicated creams can relieve pain in the specific area that they are applied, as well as promoting better blood circulation.
Examples of supplements to manage pain include:
- Magnesium* relaxes muscles, taking the edge off pain and reducing stress
- Turmeric* and especially its most active compound curcumin, is beneficial in reducing inflammation in arthritis
- Glucosamine* helps to cushion joints, alleviating the pain of "bone rubbing on bone" that is prevalent in Osteoarthritis
- Omega 3* acids from fatty fish or fish oil capsules have anti-inflammatory properties
- Ginger* is not only great in food, but has anti-inflammatory properties
- Paracetamol* may offer significant pain reduction, as it blocks pain
Paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medicines may help to temporarily alleviate pain. However, if you are experiencing persistent or chronic pain, please discuss with your Pharmacist or GP about an appropriate treatment regime to help manage your pain.
Who Can Help You Manage Your Arthritis?
GP
A GP can help correctly diagnose your specific type of arthritis and recommend appropriate treatments in conjunction with other health professionals if required, as well as prescribing medication.
Please see a doctor if the following signs occur:
- Unexplained and sudden pain and stiffness
- Fever in addition to the pain
- If there is any redness or extreme tenderness around the joint or painful area
- Pain and stiffness in your arms, legs, or back after sitting or sleeping.
- If there is prolonged swollen or painful joints and/or limited motion in joints for more than 2 weeks.
Physiotherapy
Your Physiotherapist can identify and advise on what positions to avoid that cause strain on certain joints, and guide you on how to effectively use your joints and muscles. Braces, supports, grab bars and modified doorknobs in the home are all very useful in lifestyle management and to help maintain your independence.
Dietitian
Dietitians can provide guidance on developing and maintaining a healthy eating plan. Remember to drink plenty of water and follow a well-balanced, nutrient rich diet which is appropriate for your lifestyle and health requirements. For example, foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids can help to reduce inflammation.
How Your Pharmacist Can Help
Our friendly Pharmacists can review the nature of your arthritic pain, severity and any possible underlying factors. For ongoing chronic pain, we offer a freeMedsCheck service which includes an in-depth written review and recommendations and guidance on medication usage which can be further discussed with your doctor.
At Star Discount Chemist, we also offer a range of items to help you maintain your mobility and independence such as canes, walkers and devices to assist with everyday tasks like opening jars or pulling up socks and zippers.
Feel free to come in to see one of caring Pharmacists to help with your arthritis management.
To seek further information on this general advice, refer to your Pharmacist or GP.
References
https://arthritisaustralia.com.au/what-is-arthritis/types-of-arthritis/
https://www.painaustralia.org.au/about-pain/forms-of-pain/arthritis
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/partners/arthritis-australia
*CAUTION: Not all supplements, natural remedies and medications work well together. Pregnant mothers, breastfeeding mothers and infants should exercise caution before changing medication. Always read the label and use only as directed.
Always check with your Pharmacist that vitamins and supplements don’t interact with any other medicines that you are taking. Never take more than the recommended dose of vitamins per day. If symptoms see your trusted healthcare professional.
