Osteoarthritis: symptoms, treatment and relief

If you are overweight, weight loss can reduce stress on weight-bearing joints, limit further injury and results in less pain and better function. A dietician can help you develop healthy eating habits, and a doctor can advise you on exercise, which is one of the best treatments for osteoarthritis whether or not a patient is overweight.

Exercise can improve mood and outlook, decrease pain, increase flexibility, improve the heart and blood flow, maintain weight and promote general physical fitness. It is also inexpensive and, if done correctly, has few negative side effects. The amount and form of exercise you can do will depend on which joints are involved, how stable the joints are and whether a joint replacement has already been done.

Exercise can produce generalised improvement as well as specific effects. When it comes to osteoarthritis of the knee, the level of muscle strength in the thigh muscle (quadriceps) is very important. Strengthening this muscle can relieve symptoms and prevent more damage. Walking can result in better functioning and increased walking distance.

Some people with osteoarthritis find that relaxation techniques and stress reduction help. Some use canes and splints to protect joints and take pressure off them. Splints or braces provide extra support for a weakened joint and keep the joint in proper position during sleep or activity. Splints must be used for limited periods because joints and muscles need to be exercised to prevent stiffness and weakness. An occupational therapist or a doctor can help you get a properly fitting splint.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) may also provide some pain relief. TENS machines may be available through a physiotherapy department. You can wear them during the day and turn them on and off as needed for pain control.

Prevention
While many osteoarthritis risk factors - being female, advanced age and having a genetic predisposition - cannot be changed, you can work on several other risk factors to lower your risk of developing the condition:

• Obesity: losing extra weight and exercising can help people with osteoarthritis, and most importantly it may reduce the risk of developing osteoarthritis of the knee in younger people
• 'On-the-job' injuries: taking precautions to avoid repetitive joint use and resulting joint injury in the occupational setting can help prevent osteoarthritis
• Sports injuries: using recommended prevention strategies (warm-ups, strengthening exercises and appropriate equipment) helps to avoid joint injuries and damage to ligaments and cartilage, all of which can increase the risk of osteoarthritis

Also, in studies of older women, scientists found a lower risk of osteoarthritis in women who had used oral oestrogens for hormone replacement therapy. The researchers suspect that low oestrogen levels could increase risk for the disease. Further studies are needed to answer this question.

Find out all about glucosamine

Helpful organisations

Arthritis Care 18 Stephenson Way
London NW1 2HD
Tel: 020 7380 6500
www.arthritiscare.org.uk

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