Combatting Joint Disorder

The following suggests particular common methods of dealing with joint disorders, from joint pain to stiffness and the inability to conduct certain acitivites:

Tablets

Many patients are reluctant to take tablets. Why? Here are some common reasons:

"I don't like taking tablets"
"I don't want to become addicted to tablets"
"Tablets don't agree with me"
"Tablets upset my stomach"
"These tablets give me constipation"
"I am frightened by the long term effect of taking tablets"

Common medications

Paracetamol - usually the best tablets to start with. (Please be aware of not exceeding recommend doses).  It is best to start with intermittent or as and when needs.  This can lead to more regularly sustained medication.

Your doctor can advise you on stronger tablets than Paracetamol with combined other agents such as Codeine.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories(NSAIDs) - these are quite similar to Aspirin.  Common tablets include Ibuprofen, voltarol(diclofenac) and naproxen. These tablets act differently to Paracetamol by reducing the effects of inflammation.  They can often cause stomach upset or more serious complications, particularly in susceptible or elderly patients. 

Other medications

Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulphate.

Some patients find that they gain benefit from taking glucosamine or chondroitin although there is little strong scientific evidence that they are effective, particularly in more serious joint conditions. They are unlikely however to do any harm and may provide symptomatic relief in mild to moderate Osteoarthritis.

Exercise and weight

Arthritis will be made worse by excess weight as it will put higher stresses on the joints. However, many patients find they cannot exercise due to their arthritis and consequently tend to put on weight.  Weight reduction can reduce pain significantly and this can be achieved if not by exercise then with dietary methods.

Exercise

It is safe and in fact it is recommended to carry out light exercise as this improves the quality of the muscles and bone.  It is best to avoid exercises which involve potential injury to the joint - such as impact exercises or exercises including running particularly on hard ground.  Safer exercises include swimming and cycling.

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