Busting the myths about arthritis
seven ing, with eight in 10 people experiencing pain every day, explains Ellen: “The pain and fatigue steal your independence, ability to work, travel or socialise and make you feel like a burden. Many people don’t even admit to their friends and family what it’s like.”
Jane Barry, medical director of rheumatology at Galapagos, says: “One of the symptoms of RA can be joint pain, yes, but the condition can have an effect on other aspects of health too. In fact, a Galapagos survey last year found one in six people with RA have also been diagnosed with a major depressive disorder.”
Due to pandemic disruption in the NHS, Ellen says the situation for people with arthritis is at its worst ever, with thousands waiting for trauma and orthopaedic treatment (the vast majority needing hip or knee replacements). “Thousands of people on the waiting list have been left without support and are struggling physically, emotionally and financially,” she stresses, pointing out that Versus Arthritis is also running the ‘Impossible to Ignore’ campaign (versusarthritis.org/ campaign-with-us/impossible-toignore), urging people to contact their MPs to press for urgent support for those waiting for joint replacement surgery.
“Their lives are on hold, many having to give up work and living in excruciating pain without communication about when they can expect to have surgery,” she adds.
JUST TAKE PARACETAMOL IF YOUR JOINTS ACHE
While it’s common to have occasional aches and pains in the joints and muscles, Ellen says it’s important to see a doctor if you have swelling or stiffness that you can’t explain and which doesn’t go away in a few days, if it becomes painful to touch your joints, or if you can’t do everyday tasks because of the pain.
“The earlier you get a diagnosis and find a treatment that works for you, the better the outcome will be,” she stresses.
THERE’S NOTHING YOU CAN DO ABOUT ARTHRITIS
Effective arthritis treatments make a huge difference and could prevent irreversible joint damage, says Ellen.
There are many treatment options – from medication, physical and complementary therapies and joint replacement surgery, to talking therapies and pain management clinics – to help people live well with the condition.
AVOID EXERCISE IF YOU HAVE ARTHRITIS
It can be hard to keep moving but staying active, says Ellen, can reduce pain and arthritis symptoms, and help people remain independent.
Exercise improves muscle strength and keeps joints strong and well-supported, reduces stiffness, helps balance and improves energy levels and tiredness.
A MEDITERRANEAN DIET CAN CURE ARTHRITIS
No diet or supplement will cure arthritis, says Ellen, but a balanced diet, exercise, and not smoking or drinking too much alcohol can all have a huge impact.
“Some people find their symptoms are affected by their diet, weight and physical activity levels, but what works for one person may not work for another,” she explains.
Changing your diet probably won’t have as great an impact on arthritis as medical treatments, but it can be very helpful.
Being overweight can increase strain on joints, and increase the risk of developing certain conditions.
Eating a balanced diet packed with vitamins and minerals could help reduce the side effects of some arthritis drugs too, and protect from conditions affecting the heart and blood, which can be a complication of some forms of arthritis.
But you should always speak to a healthcare professional before making any major changes to your diet and lifestyle.
PEOPLE UNDERSTAND WHAT RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS IS
A 2020 Galapagos survey of people living with RA found 99% felt other people either had a poor understanding of their condition, or confused it for other forms of arthritis.
Jane says: “RA is actually an autoimmune condition, meaning the body’s own immune system targets affected joints, which leads to pain and swelling and other symptoms, including fatigue, dry eyes, chest pain and a loss of appetite.”