Osteoarthritis hits one in three living in NZ

By KATHERINE HOBY

Patients should manage their own osteoarthritis, research shows.

The American Journal of Therapeutics recommends osteoarthritis sufferers manage their day-to-day symptoms, so that they can stay active, and regain control of their lives.

Traditionally sufferers of the painful joint condition have had to undergo programmes strictly controlled by medical specialists.

The research suggests after initial diagnosis and advice from a doctor, patients should work in a two-way partnership to control their own condition and treatment.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting nearly 190 million people worldwide. One-in-three New Zealanders will be affected by arthritis at some stage in their life.

It is often referred to as "wear and tear" or degenerative arthritis because it involves the breakdown of the protective cushion of the cartilage covering the ends of bones, where two bones form to make a joint.

Symptoms can vary but may include pain, stiffness and lack of mobility, a cracking sound as joint tissues rub together, bony growth development, and inflammation and swelling. Hands, spine, hips and knees are the joints most commonly affected.

The report author, Professor Johannes Bijlsma, head of rheumatology and clinical immunology at the University Medical Centre Utrecht in the Netherlands, says patients can now work alongside doctors.

He said an individual personalised treatment plan could be agreed on by patient and doctor, including lifestyle choices and pain relief if required.

The report outlines the treatments for osteoarthritis as recommended by experts around the world.

Simple lifestyle changes such as more exercise, weight loss, and wearing supportive shoes should be put in place where possible.

Arthritis New Zealand chief executive officer Alasdair Finnie agreed with the report's findings, but said when pain flared up sufferers should use pain relief immediately.

Patients should not be afraid to ask for, or require, "that extra bit of help".

Mr Finnie said paracetamol was recommended worldwide for pain relief for mild to moderate osteoarthritis because it was effective, available without prescription, and did not cause side-effects.

Auckland osteoarthritis sufferer Pat Dean said she felt more independent after taking over her own treatment.

"I still respect my doctor and his judgment - very much so," she said. "But now I feel I can help myself from day to day."

Tips for dealing with arthritis are:

* Find out more. Talk to your doctor, read patients guides, and research, be curious, and speak to others.

* Exercise regularly. Exercise helps decrease pain, keep joints mobile, increase muscle strength, strengthen bones and ligaments, prevent joint deformities, provide nourishment to joints, and maintain ability to perform daily tasks.

* Have a healthy diet. This can help lose weight, which will take the strain off joints.

* Use aids if advised, shoe supports, tap-turners, and jar-openers.

* Learn to relax. Take time out for yourself and try to ensure a good night's sleep.

* Take pain relief when needed.

What is arthritis?

It literally means inflammation of a joint. The Arthritis Foundation covers many inflammatory conditions which affect the spine, muscles, tendons, bones and joints.

* What are the different types of arthritis?

There are 100 recognised forms, though most people are affected by one of two types. -

Osteoarthritis is the most common. It usually strikes people in their 50s.

Rheumatoid arthritis commonly affects those between 20 and 55. Three times as many women as men are affected. If not treated early it can damage joints and cause deformities.

Other types include gout, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, and scleroderma.* What are the symptoms?

Swelling in joints, early morning stiffness for more than a few minutes, recurring joint pain, redness or warmth in a joint, unexplained weight loss. If you have one or more of these symptoms for more than two weeks, see a doctor.

* Information: Arthritis New Zealand, Living With

Arthritis Foundation

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