DR ROB HICKS MBBS DRCOG MRCGP - GENERAL PRACTITIONER AND MEDICAL BROADCASTER GIVES HIS EXPERT OPINION ON THE NATION’S JOINT ACHES AND PAINS THROUGH
THE EYES OF A GP
It’s a fact of life that as we get older we are more likely to develop osteoarthritis, where the passing years cause wear and tear of the joints. In this form of arthritis, known as degenerative arthritis, the protective cartilage is worn away over time so that bare bones rub together causing joints to become stiff, painful, and creaky.
It saddens me when I hear people say that having osteoarthritis means they “can’t do” the things they want to do any more or that they “just have to live with it” because this doesn’t have to be the case. Although it’s not yet possible to cure osteoarthritis, it is possible to get osteoarthritis under control so that you “can do” the things you wish to do. Achieving this control benefits people in more ways than just relieving pain. It means they can get on with their lives, that they are less likely to become isolated and depressed, and that they remain independent, all of which are important for overall health and wellbeing. I usually ask “what is your osteoarthritis stopping you from doing that you’d like to do?” with the answer given used as the goal of treatment.
Although osteoarthritis is more likely to affect people as they get older, it can affect young people too. Being overweight puts strain on the joints, especially the knees, increasing the risk of osteoarthritis developing. If it already exists then being overweight will make it worse. Any activity that overuses a joint makes that particular joint more susceptible to osteoarthritis. For example, athletes and those in occupations involving repetitive use of a particular joint, such as machine operating or cleaning, are at a greater risk of developing osteoarthritis later in life.
Of course, prevention is better than cure and the key to long-lasting healthy joints is regular exercise and a healthy diet to avoid becoming overweight, and not over-using the joints.
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Keeping positive, together with appropriate treatments, supplements and regular exercise, enables many people with osteoarthritis to live fulfilling pain-free lives enjoying the activities they want to do rather than only those the osteoarthritis lets them do.
Contrary to popular belief regular exercise, for example and swimming, is beneficial for those with osteoarthritis since exercise improves joint function and helps reduce pain. It also helps with losing weight if needed, which in turn relieves pressure on the joints and helps to prevent osteoarthritis getting worse. To make exercise comfortable and possible, and to relieve the symptoms of osteoarthritis, painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines are very beneficial. Physiotherapy, osteopathy and acupuncture can help too.
There are a number of natural treatments that may help. One of the most popular and well-researched supplements is glucosamine, a major part of the protein that forms cartilage in joints. It is this cartilage that is worn away in osteoarthritis. Another substance that acts as part of the joint’s shock absorber is chondroitin sulphate. Glucosamine and chondroitin taken together or separately can help reduce the pain of osteoarthritis and may help to repair damaged joints. Other natural treatments are ginger, cod liver oil, Devil’s Claw, and green-lipped muscle extract.
It may seem common sense but wearing comfortable shoes and using a walking stick often makes all the difference.
Always consult a doctor before changing diet, taking supplements, or embarking on a new exercise regime.
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