Arthritis

Arthritis exists in over 140 forms and may affect people at any time, from infancy to old age. Arthritis is defined as the inflammation of one or more joints resulting in swelling, pain and restricted movement.

The two most common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). Both conditions affect the joints, but in different ways:

- Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack its own joint, causing swelling and pain in the joints (and often in other body tissues and organs). RA most commonly affects people from their early 20s to late 50s and may cause low energy, muscle-ache and reduced appetite.

- Osteoarthritis is associated with wearing-down of joint-cartilage. Cartilage normally acts to as a shock-absorber when pressure is placed on the joint, as in walking or running. When the amount of cartilage is reduced, the bones rub together and cause pain, swelling and stiffness.

Osteoarthritis usually affects older people, or people who have exerted greater stress on their joints through sports or carrying significant extra weight (i.e., obesity). This form of arthritis most commonly affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees, spine, hips and hands.

In New Zealand, about one in every 1,000 children suffers from juvenile arthritis. More than 500,000 New Zealanders will be affected by arthritis in their lifetime.

Signs, Symptoms & Diagnosis

Common symptoms of arthritis include joint swelling; joint pain; stiffness (particularly in the morning); reddened skin and/or warmth around a joint; reduced joint movement. Deformed joints usually indicate an advanced case of untreated rheumatoid arthritis.

Other signs and symptoms accompanying arthritis may include weight loss, weakness or fever with joint pain, joint pain after exercise, or, in the case of rheumatoid arthritis, anaemia, swollen lymph glands, and/or dry eyes and mouth.

To diagnose arthritis, your doctor will require a detailed medical history to determine whether another condition may be causing your symptoms. Other tests may include a physical examination, to determine whether or not the joint is inflamed or sensitive when touched, and whether it can rotate normally or only within a limited range of motion.

Additional tests may include X-rays of the joint(s), blood tests, and/or testing of joint fluid (removed via a syringe).

How to Treat Arthritis

The choice of arthritis treatment will depend on the disease's cause, severity and stage; which joints are affected; and how daily activity is influenced. A person's age and occupation will also affect the treatment plan. Ideally, treatment aims to eliminate the underlying cause of the arthritis; however, when the cause if not curable (as in the case of RA and OA), treatment focuses on reducing discomfort and minimizing disability. 

Treatment components may include lifestyle modifications, as well as medication. To keep the joints optimally healthy, keep these points in mind:

- Exercise to keep joints flexible. A physical therapist may help in designing an optimal exercise program.

- Rest is equally important: 8-10 hours' sleep each night, as well as daytime naps, may help minimize painful joint flare-ups. When resting, avoid positions that may place unnecessary stress on affected joints, and do not hold the same position very long.

- Meditation or light yoga or tai chi may help to reduce overall stress.

- Lose weight, if you are overweight. To help determine whether you are overweight, calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI). 

- Use heat to relieve joint pain. Besides a hot shower, bath, spa or heat-pack, your doctor may be able to prescribe other forms of heat treatment. 

- Eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Taking glucosamine chondroitin supplements may help, as these substances comprise the building-blocks of cartilage.

Medications used to treat arthritis include:

- Non-prescription pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen)

- COX-2 inhibitors*

- Corticosteroids

- Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (e.g., gold salts, penicillamine, sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine and methotrexate)

- Immunosuppressants (e.g., azathioprine or cyclophosphamide). Used in serious cases of RA, when other treatment have failed.

* COX-2 inhibitors, once popular for treating arthritis, have been shown to carry cardiac risks. Vioxx and Bextra have been withdrawn from the American market. Celebrex is still available, but carries strong warnings and a recommendation for lowest-dose prescribing.

Surgery to rebuild the joint is an option in some cases (e.g., total knee replacement), usually when lifestyle modification and drug-treatments have failed.

Arthritis Products from NetPharmacy:  

Non prescription Arthritis relief treatments

Oral

Voltaren Rapid Tablets

Topical

Voltaren Emugel

Zostrix

Vitabiotics Jointace Gel

Clinicians Msm Roll On Gel

Natural remedies for arthritis

Green Lipped Mussel

Good Health NZ Green Lipped Mussel

Good Health Joint Restore 120 Capsules

Lyprinol

Mcfarlane Seatone Muscle Extract

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Nutralife Glucosamine Chondrotin

Solgar Glucosamine

Thompsons Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Vitabiotics

Jointace Fizz

Jointace Tablets

Glucosamine and Chondroitin plus Omega Oils

Good Health

Jointzone

Arthrite Extra

Glucosamine Mussel and Omega Comb

Joint Restore

Clinicians

Glucosamine Sulphate Caps

Nutralife

Jointcare 60s

Jointcare 120s

Kordels

Glucosamine and Fish Oil

Jointfood Matrix

Msm

Bio organics

Glucosamine 1000

See Your Doctor

If you have any of the symptoms of arthritis including unexplained joint pain or swelling; difficulty moving joints; red or warm skin around the joint; or unexplained weight loss see your doctor. He or she will need to take a history of your symptoms, and may recommend additional tests to make a diagnosis.

Helpful Links

 Medsafe New Zealand Consumer Medicine Information

 Arthritis New Zealand

 Everybody.co.nz

 Arthritis Foundation