ARTHRITIS types consist of rheumatoid, psoriatic and osteoarthritis among others. Arthritis causes pain to the affected joints, such as the knee, hip and elbow. A Helpline Manager for Arthritis Research UK, a charity fighting the condition, shares her answers to top questions.
Arthritis pain is caused to sufferers in affected joints, which include the knee, hip and elbow.
You are more at risk of developing the condition if you are overweight, a smoker or have an occupation that involves repetitively bending a joint, like the knee.
The condition can be diagnosed by a GP, who can then prescribe treatment which may include exercise, a diet change and medication.
Arthritis Research UK’s Helpline Manager Louisa Gunnee, has shared answers to ten enquiries that she gets on a daily basis.
What can I do to manage pain besides taking painkillers?
Arthritis can cause “excruciating” pain in affected areas, however there are ways to manage the events that don’t require medication.
Louisa recommends tailored exercise programmes to strengthen muscles and build fitness, hot or cold therapies, massages, rest and good quality sleep, and acupuncture.
A TENS machine may also help, which is a small, battery-operated device which uses a mild electrical current to relieve pain.
Should I stop exercising if I have arthritis?
“In short, no!”, said Louisa.
“Your joints are built to move and it’s even more important if they’re stiff to keep them supple. If you have joint pain, or difficulty moving, it can be understandably difficult to start exercising but regular exercise can help keep joints healthy.”
“It’s kind of like a car - you can’t leave it on the drive for months without moving it and expect it to start.”
You are more at risk of developing the condition if you are overweight, a smoker or have an occupation that involves repetitively bending a joint, like the knee.
The condition can be diagnosed by a GP, who can then prescribe treatment which may include exercise, a diet change and medication.
Arthritis Research UK’s Helpline Manager Louisa Gunnee, has shared answers to ten enquiries that she gets on a daily basis.
What can I do to manage pain besides taking painkillers?
Arthritis can cause “excruciating” pain in affected areas, however there are ways to manage the events that don’t require medication.
Louisa recommends tailored exercise programmes to strengthen muscles and build fitness, hot or cold therapies, massages, rest and good quality sleep, and acupuncture.
A TENS machine may also help, which is a small, battery-operated device which uses a mild electrical current to relieve pain.
Should I stop exercising if I have arthritis?
“In short, no!”, said Louisa.
“Your joints are built to move and it’s even more important if they’re stiff to keep them supple. If you have joint pain, or difficulty moving, it can be understandably difficult to start exercising but regular exercise can help keep joints healthy.”
“It’s kind of like a car - you can’t leave it on the drive for months without moving it and expect it to start.”
Should I start eating certain food types?
Louisa says that some people do find that changing their diet helps “improve” symptoms.
“But because people are all different and there are many different types of arthritis, what works for one person and one type of arthritis may not work for another.”
Oily fish and broccoli are among foods that could relieve joint pain.
Oranges, lemons, grapefruit and tomatoes could all help soothe arthritis symptoms.
Are there any complimentary therapies you recommend for osteoarthritis?
The charity has produced a report which has a look at how effective different therapies are.
“The two therapies that ranked the most highly were Tai Chi and acupuncture, suggesting that those with osteoarthritis may benefit from them regarding pain, disability or improvement to quality of life.”
Is it normal for arthritis to get me down?
Louisa says that an investigation by Arthritis Research UK found that a quarter of people with the condition say they often or frequently feel “low or depressed” due to the arthritis.
“Do not feel worried or embarrassed about talking about the mental impact of arthritis with your doctor.
"They will understand the impact your condition can have on your mental health and wellbeing and will discuss with you what support you may need to treat both the physical and mental impact of your condition side by side.”
https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/961121/arthritis-rheumatoid-pain-symptoms-treatment-questions
Louisa says that some people do find that changing their diet helps “improve” symptoms.
“But because people are all different and there are many different types of arthritis, what works for one person and one type of arthritis may not work for another.”
Oily fish and broccoli are among foods that could relieve joint pain.
Oranges, lemons, grapefruit and tomatoes could all help soothe arthritis symptoms.
Are there any complimentary therapies you recommend for osteoarthritis?
The charity has produced a report which has a look at how effective different therapies are.
“The two therapies that ranked the most highly were Tai Chi and acupuncture, suggesting that those with osteoarthritis may benefit from them regarding pain, disability or improvement to quality of life.”
Is it normal for arthritis to get me down?
Louisa says that an investigation by Arthritis Research UK found that a quarter of people with the condition say they often or frequently feel “low or depressed” due to the arthritis.
“Do not feel worried or embarrassed about talking about the mental impact of arthritis with your doctor.
"They will understand the impact your condition can have on your mental health and wellbeing and will discuss with you what support you may need to treat both the physical and mental impact of your condition side by side.”
https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/961121/arthritis-rheumatoid-pain-symptoms-treatment-questions
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