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OSTEOARTHRITIS

Arthritis means inflamed joints: more generally it includes painful joints, which will affect about one in five of us in our mid fifties. About 75% of cases are due to osteoarthritis affecting weight bearing joints which are steadily degenerating - hips, knees and back usually.

The cause is unknown though if a joint has been damaged by injury or fracture it is more likely to become osteoarthritic. If we are overweight then pain from arthritis is likely to be worse but overweight in itself does not cause arthritis. However it is always sensible to be a normal weight for our height.
There is no medical cure for osteoarthritis. All our doctors can do for us medically is prescribe to ease pain. Aspirin is valuable but is rarely used because of its side-effects. Paracetamol (Panadol) is useful and so are other non-steroidal anti-flammatory drugs (NSAID’s).

Sometimes keyhole surgery, especially on the knee, can simply remove small particles within the joint causing inflammation and pain.
Severe osteoarthritis of hips and knees can be cured by replacement surgery. The immediate and long-term benefits of these operations are steadily improving.

Active movements of arthritis joints are always helpful. Walking, swimming and cycling can usually be recommended.

There is no solid evidence that diet, vitamins, minerals or a wide range of complementary therapies are helpful in osteoarthritis. Nevertheless individual patients can benefit from any of these. They may be worth trying with your GP’s approval.
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