IT IS THE MOST COMMON FORM OF ALL JOINT DISORDERS

Around 50% of people over 65 have Osteoarthritis in at least one of their joints, and about 10% of these people have some form of disability from it. As we get older we tend to put on weight and this could be a factor. Also, our bodies have had years of stresses and strains and every day living has put pressure on our joints that has led to general wear and tear.

WEAR AND TEAR OF THE JOINTS

The most commonly affected joints are hands, knees, hips, feet and spine. The cartilage that protects the bone becomes damaged and thins and wears away. Also the fluid (synovial fluid) that lubricates the joint drains away. The body tries to compensate for this and the outer edges of the bones thicken and change shape, this results in “outgrowths” that form at the outer edges of the joint. Sometimes the membranes lining the joint can become inflamed.

REDUCED MOVEMENT AND STIFFNESS OF THE JOINTS

As the synovial fluid is lost and the cartilage wears away this causes the joint to become stiff. The joint may also make creaking and cracking noises when moved. Joints become stiff and movement can become reduced through inactivity. It is important to keep the joint mobile through gentle exercise. Stiffness may be worse in the mornings and warming the joint along with exercise will improve the stiffness.

PAIN AND SWELLING OF THE JOINTS

As the cartilage wears away and the synovial fluid drains, the bones of the joint rub together causing pain. The synovial membrane swells slightly and produces extra fluid, which makes the joint swell. Movement of the joints is painful as there is no “cushion” to protect them. Ligaments thicken as they try to stabilise the joint, and muscles that move the joint weaken and can become thin and wasted. Sometimes there may be crunching of the joint, and this is an unpleasant and painful feeling.

PAIN CAN BE ACUTE OR CHRONIC

The pain of osteoarthritis can range from mild to disabling. Pain can be either acute or chronic. Acute means having a sudden onset of pain, and it quickly becomes severe. It is normally of a short-term nature and can be cured. Chronic means persisting over a long period of time. There is no lasting cure for chronic pain.

LARGER THAN NORMAL OR DEFORMED JOINTS

In severe cases of osteoarthritis the cartilage becomes thin and it no longer covers the bone ends. The bones rub on each other and start to wear away. The joint tries to compensate for this and produces more bone. These are known as “outgrowths” and can make the affected joint deformed and look larger than normal.

AGE, SEX, WEIGHT, INJURY OR GENETICS CAN BE A FACTOR

There are many causes for osteoarthritis. It mainly affects people over the age of 40, and is most common in the over 65's. Women are more likely to suffer from it, but it is not clear whether this is anything to do with hormones. Being overweight can put strain on the joints. A physical injury, operation or earlier disease can lead to osteoarthritis later in life. Repetitive work could also increase your chance of getting it in later life. There is a 50% chance of developing osteoarthritis if other members of you family suffer with it, especially of the hands and hip. And lastly, sport could be a cause of getting osteoarthritis as high-impact sports like running can put extra strain and stress on the hip joint and lead to wear and tear.

WHAT PRODUCTS?

There are many products on the market to help you with either acute or chronic pain of osteoarthritis.

• Paracetamol - this can relieve the pain and stiffness and can be taken long term without any side effects.
• Anti-inflammatory - Ibuprofen or nurofen can help to relieve any inflammation, pain and stiffness of the joint. These can cause side effects like bleeding from the stomach.
• Creams - A cream such as NSAID can help with the pain and stiffness and are safe to take. These are especially good for small joints.
• Supplements - Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulphate are said to promote healthy cartilage and help to reduce any pain.
• Massage - This helps to ease the stiffness in the joint and get it mobile again.
• Heat - Warming up the affected joint eases the pain and helps with mobility.
• Acupuncture - Needles inserted in strategic areas to help with the symptoms.
• Wax baths - They soothe arthritic joints and ease aching muscles and joints.
• Knee Supports - These help to support the knee and provide therapeutic warmth.
• Daily Living Aids - There are a number of aids to help with everyday living. From special tools to help you put on socks or stockings to bath lifts.

EXERCISERS

There are a number of products that can help to keep the affected joints mobile. It is important to keep them mobile otherwise they will become stiff and painful.

• Theraputic Putty - This putty comes in various resistant levels, ideal for hand exercises.
• Hand Exercisers - These help with the strengthening and stretching of the fingers and hand grip.
• Wrist Roller - This machine helps to increase the strength and agility of the hand and wrist helping to keep them mobile.

LIFESTYLE

• If you are over weight, try to lose the excess. This may involve changing your diet.
• Try to do a little exercise. This will not only help you to lose some weight but will help to keep your joints mobile. Swimming is very good, especially in a heated pool.
• Try to avoid activities that put strain on your joints like prolonged kneeling. Also try to avoid repetitive movements.
• If you have osteoarthritis in the knee or hip, use physical aids like a walking stick. This can take pressure off the affected joint.
• Wear shoes with thick, soft soles

ACUTE

If the pain is acute any, or a combination of the above measures should help you with your mobility and pain.

CHRONIC

If you suffer from chronic osteoarthritis there are other options that could help you.

• Steroid Injections - Known as cortisone, this relieves the pain for up to three months.
• Joint Replacement - This is the last resort, an operation to replace the affected joint.