Understanding Arthritis
Arthritis is a prevalent condition that affects millions of Australians, impacting their quality of life and mobility. As a chronic condition, arthritis encompasses over 100 different types, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common. In this article, we explore the different types of arthritis, the causes, how Australians are affected and the various treatment options available through pharmacies.
Let us first look at the different types of Arthritis.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
This is the most common form of arthritis, affecting approximately 2.2 million Australians.
OA is a degenerative joint disease characterised by the breakdown of cartilage, causing pain, swelling and reduced motion in the joints.
It most commonly affects individuals over the age of 45 but can occur at any age due to injury or overuse.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Around 458,000 Australians are diagnosed with RA.
RA is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the synovium, the lining of the membranes that surround the joints, causing inflammation and joint damage.
RA usually develops between the ages of 30 and 50 but can affect younger and older individuals as well.
Juvenile Arthritis (JA)
Affects approximately 6,000 Australian children.
JA refers to arthritis in children under the age of 16, leading to persistent joint pain, swelling and stiffness and is diagnosed in children and teenagers.
Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
Around 2-3% of the population are diagnosed with this form of arthritis which includes those with psoriasis.
PsA is an inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis, characterised by joint pain, stiffness and swelling and typically appears between the ages of 30 and 50.
Arthritis significantly affects the Australian population with an estimated 3.6 million people living with some form of the condition. The economic burden is also substantial, with arthritis costing the Australian healthcare system billions of dollars annually in medical care, loss of productivity and disability support.
What causes Arthritis?
The causes of arthritis vary depending on the type:
- Genetics: A family history of arthritis can increase the risk.
- Age: The risk of many types of arthritis increases with age.
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop RA, while men are more likely to develop gout.
- Injury: Joint injuries can lead to the development of OA.
- Obesity: Excess weight can contribute to both the onset and progression of OA due to increased stress on joints.
- Infections: Some types of arthritis can be triggered by infections.
- Autoimmune conditions: Conditions like RA and lupus are caused by the immune system attacking the body's own tissues.
Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis
- Joint Pain: Persistent or intermittent pain in the joints is one of the hallmark symptoms.
- Swelling: Inflamed joints may appear swollen and feel warm to the touch.
- Stiffness: Especially noticeable in the morning or after periods of inactivity, stiffness can make movement difficult.
- Reduced Range of Motion: Difficulty in fully moving the affected joints can occur as the condition progresses.
- Fatigue: General feelings of tiredness and lack of energy can accompany arthritis.
- Nodules: In some types of arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, lumps or nodules may form under the skin near the joints.
- Redness and Heat: The skin over the affected joint may appear red and feel warm.
- Grinding or Crepitus: A grinding sensation or sound may occur when moving the joint, indicating potential damage.
- Weight Loss: Unexplained weight loss can sometimes be a symptom, particularly in inflammatory types of arthritis.
- Fever: In some cases, low-grade fever may accompany arthritis flares, indicating inflammation.
Living with Arthritis
Living with arthritis can be a daily challenge but there are effective strategies to manage symptoms and maintain a good quality of life. Many individuals find relief through a combination of medication, physical therapy and lifestyle modifications. Regular, low-impact exercise like swimming or walking can help maintain joint flexibility and strength and incorporating a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits, vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids can support overall health. It is essential to listen to your body and rest when needed as managing fatigue is crucial. With the right approach, many people can continue to lead fulfilling and active lives despite their diagnosis.
Treatment options
While there is no cure for arthritis, various treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment options are available in your Local Pharmacy 4 Less. Visit your local store and chat with our knowledgeable Team and Pharmacists if you suffer the pain of arthritis. Treatment options include:
- Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) examples: Ibuprofen or naproxen help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Analgesics: Paracetamol to provide pain relief without addressing inflammation.
- Topical Treatments Examples: Capsaicin cream, diclofenac gel. Applied directly to the skin over the painful joint to provide localised relief.
- Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) Prescription Only. Your doctor can prescribe medication to slow disease progression and save the joints and other tissues from permanent damage.
- Biologic Response Modifiers. (Biologics) Your doctor can prescribe medication that targets specific parts of the immune system to control inflammation in RA.
- Corticosteroids. Your doctor can prescribe medication that can be taken orally or injected directly into the joint to reduce inflammation.
- Supplement examples: Glucosamine, chondroitin, Green Lipped Muscle, used to support joint health, helping alleviate joint pain, inflammation and stiffness.
- Physical Aids examples: Braces, orthotics. Help support joints and reduce pain during daily activities.
Arthritis remains a significant health challenge in Australia, affecting millions across various age groups. We pride ourselves on providing access to essential medications and support so that Australians can lead more comfortable and active lives despite the challenges of arthritis.