Osteoarthritis Facts

Mention your joint pain over coffee and chances are you’ll be diagnosed with arthritis on the spot: No x-ray, no doctor’s visit, no history, just a spontaneous diagnosis from your friends. Saskatchewan Telehealth held a seminar on Osteoarthritis and the fact is that the earlier you see your doctor and get a real diagnosis the faster you can begin treatment and prevent long lasting damage to your joints. It’s a fact that joint damage is irreversible, but it can be slowed down, so see your doctor within two weeks if you have joint pain, stiffness, swelling of joints or difficulty moving a joint. Kelly Pierson, Coordinator of the Arthritis Education Program of the Arthritis Society presented a wealth of information about the cause and pain management of Osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis. That’s an updated fact. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory disease, Osteoarthritis involves a wearing away of the cartilage in the joints which results in a thickening of the bone. A flare up is when a small piece of cartilage breaks off and floats around inside the joint causing more pain. Cold and hot treatments are used for pain but never add heat to a hot joint. Diagnosis includes joint examination, x-rays, and your family history. Osteoarthritis is not caused by normal wear and tear, but some factors that do contribute to it are genetics, past injuries and excess weight, in fact, ten pounds of excess weight adds forty pounds of pressure on your knees. Exercising 30 minutes a day, even in short segments will keep your joints mobile, decrease stiffness and increase energy. Exercise is a key to pain control. One vital thing you need to do is build up a support team; pharmacist, physician, physiotherapist, occupational and/or massage therapist, podiatrist and maybe even an acupuncturist. They are your team but you are the president - the leader - the captain - because you are the only one who can evaluate your pain and mobility. Ms. Pierson had good advice for living with Osteoarthritis. If you are stiff in the mornings, take control and don’t schedule appointments in the mornings. Work when your body is at its best and stop when necessary. Ask for help. Move your laundry facilities and/or freezer to the main floor. Carry grocery bags over your elbow not your fingers. Apart from all the obvious aids to daily living some others she also mentioned were Nordic walking poles, button holders, foam tubing to enlarge handles and a gripper for turning the tap. Good nutrition is important but even more crucial is keeping track of everything you put in your mouth, over-the-counter pills, even health foods and cold medication should be recorded to avoid interaction with what your doctor prescribes. Look at the pros and cons of every medication you take. Is it worth the side effect? It’s a good idea to keep a Health Diary and discover what treatment suits you the best? It takes 28 days to form a habit so when you try something new, don’t give up right away. What works for your friend might not work for you. Call the Arthritis Society, toll free at 800.321.1433 for a self-management brochure.