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DON'T GIVE IN TO ARTHRITIS

Date: 22nd September 2005, Source: Hyaluronic News

How to ease that pain and get on with your life
By Madeleine Bailey

YOU may only be in your 40s when osteoarthritis hits but the stiffness and pain it causes make sufferers feel old before their time.

It affects about about eight million people in the UK, with 81 per cent in constant pain and as many as 64 per cent finding it difficult to get out of bed.

The condition is caused when cartilage, which cushions bones, degenerates through wear and tear.

Eventually, the bones at the joints grind against each other. Although it can't be cured, there's a lot you can do to make life easier.

WATCH YOUR WEIGHT

Excess weight puts more strain on the joints so, if you need to, it's time to start that diet. Even losing a few pounds can significantly ease the pressure on your hips, knees and feet, according to the Arthritis Research Campaign. If you're struggling, get advice from your GP.

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BUILD UP MUSCLE

Strengthening your muscles will improve shock absorption around the joints. Swimming's a great choice as it exercises your joints while supporting them.

"In the gym, go for weight and strength training, or get on your bike and opt for some gentle peddling," says Dean Hodgkin, fitness consultant.

"But avoid high-intensity or high-impact exercise such as aerobics or jogging as this puts too much pressure on the joints."

See your GP for advice and ask about prescriptions for exercise sessions. You may also be referred to a physiotherapist, who'll help you improve your activity level.

TRY FANCY FOOTWORK

"Wear insoles made from a special material called Sorbothane, available from sports shops," says Dr John Dickson, President of the Primary Care Rheumatology (PCR) Society.

"They act as shock absorbers, reducing wear and tear on joints. And always wear supportive shoes."

GET PAIN RELIEF

Standard medications include Cox-II inhibitors and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). But GPs will no longer give these to anyone at high risk of stroke or heart attacks. So, if this includes you, ask about your suitability for opioid tablets, which can be helpful

but may give initial side-effects including nausea. From October, opioid patches will be available - with these, the active drug bypasses the stomach, so you won't feel sick.

TURN BACK TIME

Another option is having Durolane injections. They contain hyaluronic acid, a substance naturally present in the fluid that surrounds the joint. The treatment has a cushioning effect and you only need injections every three to six months.

HEAT IT UP

Heat treatment stimulates blood flow to the affected area, helping it to heal. Try hot compresses for on-the-spot pain relief.

Or try Thermoskin supports, which combine joint support with heat treatment - from £8.99, from pharmacies, or log on to www.thermoskin.co.uk

GO HI-TECH

Try a TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machine, which studies have found can help a range of painful conditions.

Pads are placed over the area then a low-voltage stimulation causes a tingling, which interferes with pain signals to the brain and boosts feel-good endorphins. Boots' TENS Pain Relief Unit costs £69.99.

OIL YOUR JOINTS

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish such as mackerel, salmon and herring, have an anti-inflammatory effect on damaged cartilage.

If you prefer supplements, try Cardiozen (£11.99, 30 capsules) from pharmacies. Glucosamine sulphate can also control osteoarthritis pain. Log on to www.health-perception.co.uk for tablets and patches.

GO NATURAL

Arnica gel has natural pain-relieving effects. In a Swiss trial, A.Vogel Arnica Gel (£8.95/100g) was found to be just as effective as ibuprofen gel. Call 01294 277344 or log on to www.avogel.co.uk Alternatively, try Boswellia and Commiphora cream (£24.99/100ml), which contains the anti-inflammatory spices frankincense and myrrh. For stockists, contact the Skin Shop on 0871 871 9975.

GET FRUITY

A recent US study found pomegranate extract inhibits an enzyme that contributes to cartilage degeneration.

More research is needed but they're packed with nutrients - so you've nothing to lose! Look out for pomegranate juice in supermarkets.

THE LAST RESORT

If pain relief isn't working, ask your GP to refer you to a specialist for X-rays and advice. Cartilage may have completely worn away, and you could need a joint replacement.

Depending where you live, you might have to wait for around eight months on the NHS while private operations cost around £10,000.

For more information, log on to Arthritis Care's website at www.arthritiscare.org.uk or call 0808 800 4050.

Log on to Arthritis Research Campaign's website at www.arc.org.uk or call 0870 850 5000.