What is it?

Arthritis literally means ‘inflammation of the joint’. The most common symptoms are pain, swelling and stiffness in one or more joints, and fatigue. Three of the most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. There are many other conditions that can also be classified as arthritis

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It occurs when a joint between two bones becomes worn (the cartilage becomes damaged). It mainly affects women, manual labourers and those over the age of 45, however most people will have some symptoms with increasing age. It usually occurs in the fingers and large weight-bearing joints such as the hips, knees, ankles and lower spine. Joints may appear enlarged if they are osteoarthritic. Pain from these joints is often worse in the morning or after resting and improves with joint use.

Osteoarthritis tends to develop slowly over several years. Osteoarthritis can run in families and the chance of this developing also increases with being overweight, and any joint injury. X-rays may show severe arthritis of joints but not always early arthritis as this affects the cartilage.

Joint pain can be improved with weight loss and exercise will help improve joint flexibility and strengthen the muscles around the joints. Pain relief may be important to assist with movement and this should be discussed with your health practitioner.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a much less common disease and causes inflammation around joints and other organs of the body. This is an “auto immune disease” and occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues. When this happens, the tissue surrounding a joint (the ‘synovial membrane’) becomes thickened and inflamed, producing fluid that causes joint swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis is most common between the ages of 25 to 50 and women are three times as likely as men to develop it. The joints become quickly painful and swollen and the disease can make you feel generally unwell. Medical advice from your health practitioner should be sought early to get proper treatment which will prevent further joint damage.

Gout

Gout occurs when there are increased levels of uric acid in the blood which the body cannot excrete, causing tiny crystals of uric acid to crystallise in the joints. This causes irritation, pain and tissue inflammation. It usually affects one joint at a time, commonly beginning with the joint of the big toe; although it can go on to affect the ankles, knees and hands. It is more common in men, particularly between the ages of 40 to 50. If women develop gout it tends to be after menopause. Some medications can also increase the chance of developing gout.

Gout usually responds well to treatment for acute joint inflammation, but if recurrent gout occurs preventive treatment may be required .

Management of arthritic conditions

There are many treatments available for arthritis which can help to ease pain, maintain flexibility and slow further development. It is important to determine the type of arthritis, so correct treatment can be used.

General Treatments may include:

• Physical activity - exercise including stretching and /or strength work , walking, swimming or cycling .
• Physical therapies (e.g. physiotherapy , osteopathy, massage ) may assist with flexibility and muscle relaxation - but not cure .
• Medicines (prescription such as Non steroidal anti-inflammatories, paracetomol or non prescription such as Glucosamine and Fish oil) Discuss with your GPs 
• Healthy eating
• Relaxation or meditation – assist with (pain management strategies)

Resources

Arthritis Australia www.arthritisaustralia.com.au

Arthritis Victoria www.arthritisvic.org.au

Bone health for life www.bonehealthforlife.org.au

Arthritis: the good news

Content Updated December 11, 2009