Arthritis attacks joints
Arthritis affects our joints. It causes damage to the joint structure and surrounding tissue, as well as considerable pain and physical disability.
We tend to associate arthritis with old age but it can affect people of all ages, even babies and children. The condition is more common with females than males. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, and half a million New Zealanders will have the disease at some stage in their lives.
A normal healthy joint has a rubbery substance called cartilage that covers the end of each bone and provides a smooth slippery surface against which the joints move. Cartilage also acts as a shock absorber to reduce the impact of everyday physical activity. With arthritis, the joints are swollen and stiff (which is worse after rest and improved by gentle regular movement).
As well as joint deformity, there is pain, redness and heat. The pain gets worse with activity, and is relieved by rest. Although there are many forms, the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Gout is also a form of arthritis, and it is becoming more common.
Osteoarthritis (OA) affects people mainly later in life. Changes in the joints cause the cartilage to break down. Large weight-bearing joints, like hips, knees and spines, are affected the most.
‘‘Being heavier and having excess weight can lead to osteoarthritis because of the added pressure on the joints and the failure of other supporting structures around joints,’’ Self Care pharmacists say. OA comes on gradually, over many years.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease, which means the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. The joint lining becomes inflamed and swollen and fluid builds up in the joint cavity.
RA can also affect other body organs, e.g. the heart, lungs, nerves and eyes. In severe RA, the joints become deformed - affecting people’s ability to move.
RA symptoms tend to develop more quickly than with OA and the disease occurs more in younger people, most commonly between the ages of 30 and 55 years.
‘‘Although there is no cure for arthritis, a wide range of effective medicines are available to treat the swelling and pain, and for modifying the course of the disease (in the case of RA),’’ advise pharmacists.
‘‘Some medicines are available only on prescription, some need our recommendation before they can be sold, and others can be bought from pharmacies without health practitioners’ intervention. Remember always to talk with your doctor or pharmacist about any medicines you take for arthritis, so you are taking the best one for your condition and not doubling-up.’’
Lifestyle modifications – such as weight loss, exercise and physical therapy - are core components of OA management.
Medicines are the cornerstone of RA management, however a good balance between rest and exercise is also important.
Some pharmacies supply special equipment, such as cooking utensils and tools, walking sticks and other aids and devices, to increase people’s independence at home.
Ask your Self Care pharmacist for your free copy of the Arthritis fact card for useful tips on managing the disease, and for advice on self care.