TH 28 29 30 CAN e ritis tever r age...

Talbot. “It’s a progressive condition, ugh there is variation in rates of rioration. eing diagnosed with arthritis at an er age often will mean those patients end up having surgery at some point he future, and likely at an earlier age n normal. The average age for ulder replacement is around 73.” ones don’t seem normal or don’t go away. Our bodies go through a natural cycle of wear and repair. But as we age, this doesn’t work as effectively and that is why we suffer osteoarthritis.”

Typical symptoms include pain in joints as well as stiffness and swelling, often after prolonged use of a joint.

The joint itself might become lumpy. Some people suffer redness and general fatigue. Neither X-rays nor blood tests are needed to diagnose osteoarthritis. weight can also help ease pain, he adds. If joint pain doesn’t go away you should see your GP. At first they might advise you to take over-the-counter painkillers starting with paracetamol. But if they prove ineffective, stronger prescribed painkillers such as Zamadol and Zydol may be recommended.

Other possible options are steroid injections to dampen down the joint’s inflammation.

“With osteoarthritis, it isn’t a case of one treatment suits all, but rather trying various ones to find what works best for you personally,” says Dr Ellis.

“Some patients I see like capsaicin cream which is made from chillies but NICE approved. You rub it into arthritic hands and it gives you a burning sensation. After two weeks, some patients feel it takes away some of the pain.” “Some patients do have surgery, but they’re in the minority,” says Mr Talbot. A few younger patients with arthritis in their shoulder, for instance, may undergo arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery which ‘cleans up’ the damaged cartilage in the shoulder to help ease the discomfort suffered.

But with established painful arthritis some people have a shoulder joint replacement, which is a more invasive operation. It involves the ball and socket joint being removed and replaced with an artificial one, usually made from metal and plastic.

SUFFERER Paddy Mcguinness shares the news of his diagnosis on Instagram An online campaign called Little been launched Wins h to pass on everyday how to cope ‘life h with arthritis. campaign was The patient-led created by Janssen and pharmaceutical...