It is thought that more than 400,000 people in Ireland are living with osteoarthritis, with more affected by other forms of the condition. This makes it one of the leading causes of disability in the country. Arthritis can be a painful and debilitating condition and is currently incurable. However, there are treatments available that can reduce arthritis symptoms.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition that causes pain and inflammation within the joints. However, there are several different types of arthritis, all of which can affect joints differently. As a result, the most effective treatments for arthritis will depend on the type you have.
Read More – Arthritis: A Useful Guide
Types of Arthritis
There are over 100 forms of arthritis and similar conditions, but most cases are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, fibromyalgia, or gout. Each condition requires a different approach to reduce arthritis symptoms.
Osteoarthritis
This form of arthritis affects the entire joint, breaking down protective cartilage and fluid. Over time, osteoarthritis reduces the mobility of the joint and can eventually lead to bones rubbing against each other, resulting in severe pain. Along with the wearing of the joint, osteoarthritis can also cause inflammation, resulting in further discomfort.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
We rely on our immune system to protect us from illnesses, but sometimes it can get things wrong and attack our own body. With rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks the tissues of the joints. When the immune system attacks these tissues, the joints become inflamed and painful. However, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect other parts of the body such as internal organs.
Psoriatic Arthritis
Most commonly affecting people who have psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis is similar to rheumatoid arthritis. This is because it is also an autoimmune disease, attacking the skin and joints. The inflammation that occurs as a result of psoriatic arthritis can affect joints throughout the body. This can mean that even tendons and ligaments are affected, resulting in severe pain and stiffness.
Fibromyalgia
Though not an actual form of arthritis, fibromyalgia can cause arthritis-like symptoms. A person with fibromyalgia is likely to experience severe pain some or all the time without any apparent cause. Often, this pain can accompany movement, making it similar to joint pain.
Gout
A type of inflammatory arthritis, gout is caused by an excess of uric acid that builds up in the joints, forming crystals. These crystals then form lumps in the joints, causing inflammation and pain. It strikes suddenly, such as overnight. Most commonly, it starts in the joint of the big toe, but it can affect other joints.
How to Reduce Arthritis Symptoms
Arthritis is currently incurable, making it a chronic condition that requires constant management. Fortunately, there are ways to make it more tolerable.
Medications
Different medications are prescribed depending on the type of arthritis a person has. Often, these medications are anti-inflammatory. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are some of the main medications prescribed for arthritis, though they can cause gastrointestinal side effects. Some over-the-counter medications can reduce the pain but may lead to other health problems if overused. These medications are often best for people with osteoarthritis.
If the arthritis is connected to an autoimmune condition, people are more likely to be prescribed with anti-rheumatic drugs. These medicines slow down the development of the condition, helping to block the production of chemicals that attack the joints. However, like osteoarthritis they can also be treated with NSAIDs; regular painkillers can also help alleviate the pain.
Lifestyle Changes
One of the most effective treatments for the types of arthritis is to exercise. Whilst this may seem counterintuitive considering the pain caused by arthritis, exercising regularly can help to build up muscle and strengthen the joints. This reduces the likelihood of experiencing long-term pain.
A further advantage of exercising more often is losing weight. For people with osteoarthritis especially, but also for people with fibromyalgia or gout, losing weight can reduce the impact of joint pain. The main benefit is less weight on the joints, therefore resulting in less overall strain.
Cold and Heat
Depending on the type of arthritis you have, cold or heat can help to relieve arthritis pain. For osteoarthritis, heat is better than cold. Resting a hot water bottle on the antagonised joint improves blood flow, which relaxes the muscles, relieving pain.
A cold pack is best for inflammation, such as that accompanying rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis. These treatments, if used correctly, can help reduce arthritis symptoms.
Joint Immobilisation
As most joint pain is connected to motion, immobilising the joint can help relieve symptoms. Though this is not always possible, using a splint or brace can allow the joint to rest, which can protect it from further injury and may allow for some healing to take place.
If it isn’t possible to entirely immobilise a joint, support bandages could still offer small-scale arthritis relief.
Acupuncture
This is a form of therapy that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific places on the body. The procedure is designed to stimulate the production of natural, pain-relieving chemicals that will help to reduce arthritis symptoms.
Ensure you receive acupuncture only from licenced professionals.
Stay Safe at Home
The physical limitations of arthritis can restrict your mobility at home. In some cases, it may also make you more vulnerable to falls. A personal alarm from LifeConnect24 can provide additional peace of mind.
With our Lifeline alarms, help is available at the press of a button. Simply activate your alarm and our Response Team will assess the situation and inform your emergency contacts that help is required. In appropriate circumstances, they will also alert the emergency services.
For additional peace of mind in the event of a fall, consider a fall detector alarm. This will send an automatic alert if it senses you have suddenly fallen. It can also be activated manually by pressing the button on your pendant.
If you have any questions about personal alarms from LifeConnect24, please do not hesitate to get in touch. You can call us on 1 800 937543 or send an email to info@lifeconnect24.ie.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on 13th June 2024 to reflect current information.
