Living with Arthritis
By Jennifer Pring
Director of Educational Services, the Arthritis Society, Alberta and NWT Division

This information is provided by Family Health Magazine, a special publication of the Edmonton Journal.

Arthritis refers to a group of more than 100 diseases that cause pain, swelling and limited movement in or around joints. The condition affects one of every seven Canadian and has no known cause or cure. It is NOT simply a disease of the elderly. Many children suffer with juvenile arthritis and most people with rheumatoid arthritis are between the ages of 30 and 50. Despite these facts, many people still feel that arthritis is a natural part of aging and "nothing can be done about it."

Arthritis is a serious disease. Without proper care and treatment it can lead to severe disabilities and a poor quality of life. The discomfort from arthritis changes from day to day. Most people with arthritis have "ebbs and peaks" or remissions and flares. Some days are much easier to cope with than others.

Arthritis "Warning Signs"

• swelling in one or more joints
• early morning stiffness
• recurring pain or tenderness in any joint
• inability to move a joint normally
• redness and warmth in a joint
• any of these symptoms lasting more than two weeks

Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Statistics show that by the time we reach age 64, we all have some signs of the disease. In most people osteoarthritis causes mild discomfort and stiffness, while in others it can be painful and crippling. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage and other tissues that make a joint work properly break down. It often appears in the weight-bearing joints (hips, knees, ankles and back).

Osteoarthritis may affect only one joint in the body, but it can affect several joints at a time. It usually develops slowly and is most often diagnosed by x-ray. X-rays will show the narrowing of the joint space and possibly small bony growths that appear where the cartilage has been destroyed.

Treatment for osteoarthritis may include several approaches. Most important, the joints should be exercised through their full range of motion several times a day. In an overweight person, damage to the join happens more quickly and treatment may also include proper nutrition and weight control.

Drug treatment is much less important in osteoarthritis than in inflammatory forms of arthritis. In most cases of osteoarthritis, there is little to no inflammation, so anti-inflammatory medications are not needed. Some pain control medication may be used to help relieve the discomfort. It is important to remember that the pain is also a signal to the body that something is wrong with the joint and it needs some protection.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is the second most common form of the disease. It is also one of the most destructive. In its most severe form, and without proper treatment, it can result in joint deformities, loss of mobility and severe disability. In rheumatoid arthritis the lining of the joint, called the synovial membrane, becomes inflamed. The joint becomes swollen and often warm to touch. Most commonly, the joints in the wrists, knuckles and knees are affected.

Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed by physical examination supported by blood tests. Treatment usually includes medications to help slow the progress of the disease. There are many anti-inflammatory medications on the market. Most people with inflammatory types of arthritis will have tried at least three or four before they, and their doctors, find one that will work for them. Many people with rheumatoid arthritis go through cycles of pain, depression and fatigue.

Treatment
There is no cure for arthritis but great strides have been made to improve diagnosis, treatment and understanding of the disease. These have all helped to provide a much better quality of life for people with arthritis. Although there is a long way to go yet, many people with arthritis are active and well-adjusted due to the progress made by hard working arthritis researchers.

Treatment for your arthritis is something you must discuss with your health care team. It may include a combination of medications, physio-therapy, joint protection, exercise programs and self-management. Therapists can help you develop a program of rest, exercise and joint protection.

Many people dealing with a chronic disease feel out of control of their lives. Taking part in your treatment plan helps get some of that control back, which has a large impact on your well-being.

Remember, you are the main player in your treatment program. Be sure you understand what is suggested and what outcome is expected.

Medications
When your doctor prescribes a medication for your arthritis, ask what it should do, how long before you should feel any improvement, and what the side effects might be. Medications, especially for inflammatory types of arthritis, are used to help control the disease. Many of these medications have serious side effects and should be discussed thoroughly with your doctor.

Joint Protection
Often devices to help protect your joints are necessary. Canes can help take the stress off a painful knee or hip, splints help to keep the wrist joints in alignment or keep a painful joint at rest. Occupational therapists are health professionals who will help you learn proper joint protection techniques. They can also show you easier ways to do some of your daily living activities.

Surgery
Surgery can improve the quality of life for many people with arthritis. Total joint replacement of the hips and knees are relatively common surgical procedures that provide pain relief and help to increase mobility.

Physiotherapy/Exercise
Exercise is extremely important for your arthritis. It helps to strengthen weakened muscles and to maintain or increase the mobility in the joint. Your doctor may suggest physiotherapy to help you learn the proper exercises for your specific problems. Also, many facilities now offer special exercise programs for people with arthritis. Exercising does not mean you have to get involved in a really strenuous aerobics program. It means gentle stretching, range of motion exercises and doing something to increase your heart rate. Most important, it also means fun and socialization.

Arthritis Self-Management
The Arthritis Self-Management Program is designed to help you to understand and cope with your arthritis. This is a group program where people meet at Arthritis Society locations in classes of 15 to 20 people for two hours, twice a week, for six weeks. There is a small fee for this program and each participant receives the "Arthritis Help-Book."

The classes are a combination of presentations and audience participation. The people leading the classes all have arthritis themselves and therefore know and understand what the participants are going through. You will learn strategies to help you increase your mobility and decrease your pain through proper exercise, relaxation, pain management and communication.

Non-traditional Treatments
There are many suggestions out in the market place as to what will make the pain of arthritis disappear, or the inflammation decrease, or the swollen fingers work better. Many of these "products" cost a great deal of money. Statistics show that four times as much money is spent on unproven remedies than is spent on medical research. Diet "cures" for arthritis appear constantly in magazines and books, as do many other devices and treatments. People often try these "cures" when they have the most pain.

Remember, arthritis has peaks and ebbs. Your arthritis may have improved without the unproven remedy anyway. Before you spend your hand earned money, learn about your disease and what has or has not been proven by well planned research. Some of these remedies can also be risky. If you want to try these treatments, be sure to ask your doctor about them or contact the Arthritis Society. Remember, if you are trying one of these "unproven remedies", it is very important that you remain on your medically prescribed treatment program.

As you can see, all forms of arthritis affect people differently. Treatment programs also affect everyone differently. The medication that works for your friend with arthritis may not help you at all. You may have no difficulty opening a door, but someone else with the same type of arthritis might find this action impossible. If you choose to try something new or different, be sure you discuss it with your health care team. Remember, only after your arthritis is properly diagnosed can you start a treatment program to improve your quality of life.

The Arthritis Society is a national voluntary health agency. Each province in Western Canada has a society office. You will have access to a variety of excellent information on all aspects of arthritis and related disease. The Arthritis Society has resources to help you, your family and friends learn about your disease. You will also learn where you can attend appropriate exercise classes or attend Arthritis Self-Management classes. The Arthritis Society also holds educational seminars in many different locations.

This information is provided by Family Health Magazine, a special publication of the Edmonton Journal and distributed by your neighborhood Canadian Safeway Pharmacy.

--------------------

Back to Health Living