Take action against arthritis

Once again the importance of regular exercise is the main message to come from International Arthritis Day, October 12.

Arthritis is the major cause in Australia of disability and long-term pain. And although there is no cure for arthritis, there are certainly ways to take control and manage the symptoms.

The first thing to do is learn all you can about your condition. There are about 150 different forms of arthritis; and, if you suffer with one of them, you’re definitely not alone. There are more than 3 million Australians who are fellow sufferers.

A good place to start for advice is your local pharmacy providing the Self Care health information. The recently updated fact card titled Arthritis details the signs and symptoms, and makes some suggestions on some self-help procedures.

Arthritis Australia also has some important messages on their website www.arthritisfoundation.com.au or you can call them on 1 800 011 041.

One of their top-10 tips is to ensure we are physically active. It doesn’t have to be vigorous or rigorous but it does need to be regular.

That very rhythmic and gentle oriental exercise, tai chi, is considered ideal therapy. But if you prefer walking, cycling or swimming (and it’s appropriate for you), then make the choice that suits you best.

Remember when it comes to joint mobility, that saying “move it or lose it” certainly applies.

It’s unlikely that particular foods have an adverse effect on arthritis, except in the case of gout (see the Gout Self Care card for more details); but too much food of any kind will worsen the symptoms. Excess weight can mean more pain, no matter which form of arthritis you have. Maintaining “correct weight” also lowers the risk of developing osteoarthritis in the first place.

\On the other hand some foods and food supplements may have a positive effect on arthritis. Glucosamine (a naturally occurring substance usually extracted from fish or shellfish) can relieve the pain of osteoarthritis when used long term. And the so-called omega- 3 oils, which occur in fish such as salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel and herring, seem to have an anti-inflammatory effect.

t’s important to realise that in some forms of arthritis there is little or no inflammation. So in these cases the most appropriate pain relievers are paracetamol (such as Panadol) or paracetamol with codeine (Panadeine). The most benefit is usually gained when these products are taken regularly – not just now and again. Check with your doctor or pharmacist what’s best for you.

There is a large range of products used to treat the inflammatory forms of arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis). These include the “NSAIDs” like Voltaren, Feldene, Brufen and the newer medications such as Vioxx and Celebrex. These medicines are also helpful in treating the occasional inflammatory flare ups in osteoarthritis.

Early diagnosis will make successful treatment more likely. So if you have persistent signs of stiffness or soreness in the joints, pain in the knees or hips when walking; difficulty tying up shoelaces or doing up buttons or redness and warmth in a joint, then get along to your doctor.

For more information pick up your Arthritis Fact Card, available from our stores.
© Pharmaceutical Society of Australia 8 October 2003