Arthritis Treatment

Arthritis treatment varies depending on the type of arthritis a person is suffering with. A treatment programme for arthritis will generally focus on pain management. With reduced pain an arthritis sufferer will have better mobility and regain some of the independence lost from arthritic pain.

The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. There are two main methods of treating osteoarthritis:

1. Relieve the stress on the joints
2. Relieve the symptoms

Relieving the stress on the joint you will often relieve the condition and stop the arthritis from progressing so fast.

Weight management is also a factor in relieving the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Many people suffering with osteoarthritis are overweight which causes additional stress on the joints. If an individual is able to lose excess weight then there will be less stress on the joints. Weight loss is vital to prevent further deterioration of the joints in osteoarthritis.

Arthritis diet

The Mediterranean diet has been shown to be a good arthritis diet. It also benefits a number of other conditions. The Mediterranean diet is one that includes lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, grains and pulses, while reducing the amount of red meat. One of the reasons this may be is that the Mediterranean diet is rich in foods with omega-3. These are believed to have an anti-inflammatory effect, which may reduce the pain associated with inflamed joints. Omega-3 is found in oily fish, such as salmon, sardines and mackerel. It is recommended that people following an arthritis diet eat at least two portions of oily fish a week. Omega-3 is also found in nuts and seeds (especially linseed or flax seed), and is also found in fortifies margarines, cereals and some types of yoghurt drink.

Arthritis pain relief

Simple pain killers like paracetemol can relieve the pain of arthritis. Another pain killer, ibuprofen, can also relieve some of the pain as it acts as an anti-inflammatory. However inflammation is not a huge component of osteoarthritis as it is with rheumatoid arthritis so paracetemol is the most recommended form of pain relief.

In addition to oral pain relief there are also creams and gels that have a localised affect when rubbed on the arthritic joint. Cream and gels work best in the joints which are more superficial, like the hand, knee and wrist, and not so well in joints such as the hip.

Arthritis exercises

Sufferers of arthritis are also encouraged to exercise. Exercise is not only good for the body generally, but it also releases natural pain relieving chemicals called endorphins. Whilst exercise is beneficial, people need to be careful not to overdo it and put greater stress on the joints.

Physiotherapy is another useful tool in treating osteoarthritis. Physiotherapy can help a patient learn how to rest the joint, pre-empt pain, and learn how to deal with the pain that is already there. Physiotherapy teaches people stretches and exercises they can do safely to boost their fitness and keep their muscles in good condition without putting stress on the arthritic joints.

Whilst the pain relief medications, exercise and physiotherapy can produce quick results it is important to understand that treatment for arthritis is focused on the long term use and treatment of the joints.

If a patient begins to feel the benefit of a treatment programme, it is important that they do not stop taking the medicine or doing the exercises recommended by the physiotherapist without consulting a doctor first. Relieving the symptoms and minimising the progression of osteoarthritis is a lifelong treatment programme.

Dr Carol Cooper MA, MB, BChir (Cantab), MRCP
Arthritis Expert, Imperial College Medical School

Dr Carol Cooper is climbing Sydney Harbour Bridge to raise money for Arthritis Care and hopes you'll check out her JustGiving page and sponsor her.