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Archive for the ‘arthritis and rheumatism’ Category

Arthritis Causes And Symptoms

28 Mar

 Arthritis Causes And Symptoms
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Teens Tackle Arthritis! with Ed Sullivan

There are many form of arthritis : Rheumatoid arthritis , psoriatic arthritis, septic arthritis, Gouty arthritis, osteoarthritis(the most common form of arthritis).Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in people over the age of 65. By the age of 60 nine in every ten people have it . For most of them arthritis means living with pain and stiffness. However, Arthritis is not an inevitable consequence of aging and can be prevented , provided the underlying causes are eliminated. In the search of causes and solutions many things have been considered including diet, exercise, posture, climate, hormones, infections, genetics ,old age, stress..-Poor lubrication of the joints. In between joints is a substance called synovial fluid. Appropriate nutrition is needed to make sure that the synovial fluid stays fluid and able to lubricate.
- Hormonal imbalance .Hormones control the calcium balance in the body. If the calcium balance is not right, the bones and joints can become porous and subject to wear and tear.
-Allergies and sensitivities. Most of people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis have food and chemical allergies or sensitivities that make their symtoms flare up.
- Free radicals . If the immune system is not working properly, as in rheumatoid arthritis, it will produce too many free radicals, which can damage tissue around the joint. In this case a good intake of antioxidant is very valuable.
-Infections. Any infection ,be it viral or bacterial, weaken the immune system which control inflammation.
Bone strain and deformities. Any damage or strain, so often caused by bad posture, increases the risk of developing arthritis .
- State of mind. Research at the Arthritis and Rheumatism Foundation and at the University of Southern California Medical School has shown a link between arthritis and emotional stress.
- Poor diet . Most people with Arthritis have a history of very poor diet, which pave the way to many of the factors stated above.
Diet advice: avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates, stimulants, fat ,too much protein . Drink plenty of water and herb teas. Make sure you have all the vital vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids, antioxidants nutrients.

Alexis Kenne

 

Learn About Arthritis And How It Can Affect You

17 Mar

Marilyn Monroe

‘Rheumatism’ is a traditional and non-specific term used in the East and West to refer to a variety of conditions affecting the bones, joints, skin, heart, kidneys, lungs. This term is rapidly falling out of favour in the West today because modern medical science has discovered that most of these conditions have different aetiologies (causes) requiring very different treatments.

You can say that it’s a word mainly used in Chinese (& traditional) societies; it’s also used by a minority of Westerners into homeopathic and alternative medicine. The only common characteristics among these conditions are: 1) they cause long-term chronic pain, and 2) they are very difficult to treat.

‘Arthritis’ is a broad term refers to inflammation of the joints, but doesn’t say anything about the cause. Includes conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, infective arthritis, gouty arthritis, etc.

Generally, I’d divide arthritis into 2 big groups:

1) Osteoarthritis (OA)

This is primarily a ‘wear and tear’ condition affecting older people. Arises from overuse (e.g. marathon runners), previous injuries (football players), overweight, heredity. A lot of older Asian women get OA of the knees while the Americans and Europeans get it in the hips. The pain is more mechanical than inflammatory. So you get pain in the later part of the day after a lot of walking and climbing stairs.

Because it’s mainly a mechanical problem, treatment with painkillers is only a temporary solution. Long-term lifestyle changes are more important – reduce weight, mobility and muscle-strengthening exercises, reduce all kinds of weight-bearing activities (walking, jumping, running, carrying heavy objects). In severe cases, surgery may be warranted.

2) Inflammatory (‘Rheumatic’) Arthritis

This group comprises the various types of arthritis which are mainly inflammatory , not mechanical, in nature. They usually result from an auto-immune condition, which causes the body’s immune system to go haywire and attack the joints and other parts of the body. E.g. rheumatoid arthritis (RA), SLE (skin, kidneys, joints, brain), psoriasis (skin, joints), ankylosing spondylitis (back, heart), gout (joints, skin, kidneys), rheumatic heart disease/fever (joints, heart, skin). All these conditions require different forms of treatment.

I’ll talk a bit about RA, the commonest condition in this group. Unlike OA, RA can occur at any age and is usually hereditary (we now have a test for the RA factor in the blood). Pain is usually in the early morning, worse when it’s cold, and gets better with activity and use. That means an RA sufferer suffers from morning stiffness and pain, but gets better in the afternoon when it’s warmer and when he has moved around a bit.

Treatment, unlike OA, is mainly through drugs – painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs like steroids, cytotoxic drugs like sulfasalazine and MTX. In Asia, treatment is mainly through accupuncture, medicated plasters and ointments. With the vast arsenals of drugs and non-drugs alternative treatments available today, RA can be controlled very well and the sufferer can actually lead a very active life. Many OA sufferers on the other hand may eventually require surgery since we don’t have very effective drugs for OA.

 

The different types of arthritis

13 Mar

1950-51 AF Annual Report cover

There are many types of arthritis and many people self diagnoses the pains they may be experiencing as arthritis. The truth of the matter is the diagnosis should come from a doctor and may include examinations, x-rays, ultra-sounds and MRI’s.

The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and fibromyalgia.

~ Rheumatoid Arthritis ~

The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is still unknown and under constant study. It is believed that it is an autoimmune disease. This means that for some reason the body tissues are not recognized as part of the working body, but as a problem that the body has to rid itself of. You can compare it to putting two anti virus programs on your computer. Each sees the other as a virus and they fight to destroy each other. Your body attacks its own tissue.

This is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis affects both sides of the body. It is found most commonly in the joints. You may notice disfigurement in the wrists, arms, fingers, and legs. It can also affect some of your internal organs. It can attack the lungs, eyes and heart as well.

~ Osteoarthritis ~

Another name for this is degenerative joint disease. Our joints have shock absorbers built in our bodies in the form of cartilage. Cartilage covers the ends of the bones to reduce shock, prevent bone from rubbing on bone and assist in the movement of the joint. When this cartilage wears out and bone is rubbing on bone we have osteoarthritis. Sometime you can even hear the noise of the bones grating on each other.

~ Fibromyalgia ~

This form of rheumatism involves the ligaments, muscles, tendon and soft tissue as opposed to the joints. There are tender points under the skin and the pain is tremendous. This is a chronic and long-term illness.

Now let’s move to some less common forms of arthritis.

~ Gout ~

This form of arthritis is caused when the body overproduces uric acid. Normally uric acid is processed by the body and released through the urine. If it is not released in this manner it causes monourate crystals to form and collect in the joints. The joint becomes very stiff and painful.

There are many triggers that can cause an episode of gout.

*sudden severe illness

*eating foods rich in purines

*joint injuries

*extreme exercise

*stress

*surgery

~ Infectious Arthritis ~

This form of arthritis is usually caused by a bacterial infection. Some of the most common culprits are tuberculosis, gonococcus, salmonella, and staphylococcus.

Other cause may be viral infections. These are usually shorts bouts of a week or two in connection with an illness. It is sometimes described as “settling in your joints”.

Fungi are the least common kind of infectious arthritis. It develops over time with exposure to things like fungi found in bird dropping, some types of roses, and soils.

~ Lumbosacral Arthritis ~

This form of arthritis affects the discs located in the spine. Although the exact cause has not been defined it is believed that natural aging, injury to the spine and heavy lifting all contribute to the problem.

These are certainly all forms of arthritis, but it does give you a look at the diversity of the disease. As you can see for proper diagnosis and care you may need the help of your physician, who may recommend a specialist.

Thousands live with one form or another of arthritis. Research continues with the goal of improving the quality of life for those affected.

Reference:

www.allaboutarthritis.com

www.arthritis-treatment-guide. info

 

Jacuzzi The King Of Whirlpools And Hot Tubs

08 Mar

The Spoon Theory

Jacuzzi is one of the most recognized hot tub, whirlpool and spa manufacturers in the world, and in fact its brand name has become synonymous with whirlpools and hot tubs. The Jacuzzi brand specializes in whirlpools, which are basically large bathtubs, or pool-like structures that are electrically equipped to sprout jets of water and air bubbles into the water from different points of the tub.If you are looking into purchasing a Jacuzzi, you need to start by deciding on your budget. You also need to assess how much space you have available for the installation. Having something like a jetted Jacuzzi whirlpool tub in your home is definitely worth the cost and trouble. You will find that there are great prices on many high quality Jacuzzi whirlpool and Jacuzzi tubs available in the stores.Jacuzzi whirlpool jet system produces a hydro-massage effect by pulling water from the bath and pumping the water, mixed with air, from the jets back into the tub at high pressure. This hydro-massage or hydrotherapy has wonderful therapeutic benefits as it helps the muscles relax. It is especially beneficial to those suffering from arthritis and rheumatism as it helps soothe away the pain.

A Jacuzzi spa is a wonderful way to entertain friends and family as well. With a Jacuzzi spa you can relax with a glass of wine or a nice chilled beer and unwind to start off the weekend. Or you could soak in your Jacuzzi on a Sunday night to get rested and prepared for the busy week to come. Your Jacuzzi spa can also provide wonderful entertainment whenever you hold parties or small get-togethers.

 

How to Treat and Prevent Muscle and Joint Pain

24 Feb

October 12th 2009 - World Arthritis Day

Pain in the muscles and joints is frequently termed arthritis by patients and sometimes by doctors, but most arthritis is not arthritis at all. True arthritis affects the joints, and the joints are red, warm, swollen, and painful to move. Arthralgia means pain without inflammation in the joints. Myalgia means pain in the muscles. these pains are not arthritis but can be very bothersome. Usually they are not serious and will go away. They can be caused by tension, virus infections, unusual exertion, accidents, or they can have no obvious cause. Only seldom do they indicate a serious disease.

There are over 100 types of arthritis and rheumatism. The four most common types are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and spondylitis. Osteoarthritis is usually not serious, occurs in later life, and frequently causes knobby swelling of the end joints of the fingers. Rheumatoid arthritis usually starts in middle or later life and may cause you to feel sick and stiff all over in addition to the joint problems. Gout occurs mostly in men, with sudden, severe attacks of pain and swelling, usually in one joint at a time-frequently the big toe, the ankle, or the knee. Spondylitis affects the back and joints of the low back and may be suspected if your back is sore for a long time, particularly stiff in the morning, and you are unable to touch your toes.

Arthralgia and myalgia syndromes are much more common than true arthritis. Doctors often do not agree on diagnostic terms in this area, and two doctors may give different names to your problem. Arthralgia and myalgia seldom progress to a serious condition. the consequences of arthritis occur very slowly and are often better prevented than corrected. Arthritis, arthralgia, and myalgia result in more lost work days due to sickness than any other category of disease.

Only rarely does a patient with arthritis or arthralgia need to be seen by a physician immediately. Home treatment will usually resolve the problem. The relative emergencies are: (1) infection, (2) nerve damage, (3) fractures near a joint, and (4) gout. In the first three, serious damage may result if the joint is neglected; and in the fourth, the pain is so intense that immediate help is needed. Fever, weight loss, or other symptoms besides pain, or pain persisting for six weeks or more indicates the need to see the doctor if there is no obvious minor cause for these symptoms.

Both rest and exercise are important in treating muscle and joint pain. Try to relax and gently stretch the involved areas. Warm baths, massage, and stretching exercises should be used as frequently as possible. Sponge-soled shoes may help if you walk or stand on hard floors. Better light to help you relax a bit farther from the page or a better chair may help if you spend a lot of time at a desk. Regular exercise, slowly increased from every gentle move to more vigorous, can help restore the proper muscle tone; I recommend walking, bicycling, and swimming. Aspirin and ibuprofen are available over the counter and may be used in low to moderate doses. You can significantly reduce the chance of muscle and joint pain with these treatments.

 

Can Not Having Enough Vitamin D Make My Rheumatoid Arthritis Worse?

01 Feb

1956-57 AF Annual Report cover

In addition to the other health problems associated with vitamin D deficiency, there is another one. Not having enough vitamin D can make rheumatoid arthritis (and other inflammatory arthritis, possibly) symptoms worse. These findings were reported recently by researchers in the United Kingdom.

In the July issue of Arthritis and Rheumatism, Dr. Sanjeev Patel of St. Helier University Hospital, Carsholton, and colleagues note that there is evidence that vitamin D and its metabolite 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D), in particular, may have immunomodulatory effects. (Patel A, Farragher T, Berry J, Bunn D, Silman A, Symmons D. Association between serum vitamin D metabolite levels and disease activity in patients with early inflammatory polyarthritis.of Arthritis Rheum 2007;56:2143-2149).

Metabolites are what vitamin D is converted to in the body. Conversion to different forms of the vitamin can occur in the liver or kidney. Conversion is a common process. Many drugs taken for different diseases undergo this process. In fact, often the metabolite is the active form of the medicine or vitamin. In the case of vitamin D, there are two active metabolites: 25-hydroxyvitamin D and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.

The investigators wanted to find out whether metabolites of vitamin D might have an influence on polyarthritis.

Polyarthritis means a type of arthritis that affects many joints. The prototypical form of polyarthritis is rheumatoid arthritis.

The researchers measured serum levels of 25(OH)D and 1,25- dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25[OH]2D) in 206 patients within 6 months of the onset of symptoms of their disease.

They observed an inverse relationship between baseline levels of 25(OH)D and multiple measures of disease activity. In other words, the lower the vitamin D metabolite levels were, the more symptoms a patient had.

In particular, one measure- the Health Assessment Questionnaire or HAQ- is a common measure of how a patient feels. The researchers found that at baseline, 1,25(OH)2D levels had an inverse relationship with HAQ scores. At 1 year, baseline levels of both metabolites continued to have a significant inverse association with HAQ scores.

According to Dr. Patel, “The results of this study show that vitamin D deficiency may increase rheumatoid arthritis activity. We need to study this further and see if giving vitamin D or more potent drugs with vitamin D activity can relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.”

So what is the message for you if you have rheumatoid arthritis? Make sure your rheumatologist checks your vitamin D levels routinely, particularly in the winter when vitamin D levels can plummet.

If your vitamin D levels are low, you need replacement therapy. In our practice we have noted that patients with vitamin D deficiency often have more flares than patients who have normal vitamin D levels. Vitamin D levels in our patients are monitored routinely.

 

Jacuzzi – The King Of Whirlpools And Hot Tubs

29 Jan

12th October 2009 - World Arthritis Day

Jacuzzi is one of the most recognized hot tub, whirlpool and spa manufacturers in the world, and in fact its brand name has become synonymous with whirlpools and hot tubs. The Jacuzzi brand specializes in whirlpools, which are basically large bathtubs, or pool-like structures that are electrically equipped to sprout jets of water and air bubbles into the water from different points of the tub.

Jacuzzi whirlpool is a great recreational addition to your home, allowing you to enjoy and unwind in the comfort of your own home. It is especially relaxing after a long and tiring day to just soak in the Jacuzzi tub with jets of water gently massaging your aching body. Jacuzzi whirlpools not only help release your stress, they also help rejuvenate your mind and spirit. Nowadays, Jacuzzi whirlpools are not only popular in residential homes; they are also popular in hotels suites and even aboard cruise ships.

If you are looking into purchasing a Jacuzzi, you need to start by deciding on your budget. You also need to assess how much space you have available for the installation. Having something like a jetted Jacuzzi whirlpool tub in your home is definitely worth the cost and trouble. You will find that there are great prices on many high quality Jacuzzi whirlpool and Jacuzzi tubs available in the stores.

Jacuzzi whirlpools come in different shapes and designs. Unlike other types of bathtubs, Jacuzzi often fits in the corner of a bathroom. Over the years, Jacuzzi has pioneered and introduced innovative whirlpool and spa designs and features, and today there are many Jacuzzi whirlpool tub and Jacuzzi spa models to pick from to meet everyone’s needs.

Jacuzzi whirlpool jet system produces a hydro-massage effect by pulling water from the bath and pumping the water, mixed with air, from the jets back into the tub at high pressure. This hydro-massage or hydrotherapy has wonderful therapeutic benefits as it helps the muscles relax. It is especially beneficial to those suffering from arthritis and rheumatism as it helps soothe away the pain.

A Jacuzzi spa is a wonderful way to entertain friends and family as well. With a Jacuzzi spa you can relax with a glass of wine or a nice chilled beer and unwind to start off the weekend. Or you could soak in your Jacuzzi on a Sunday night to get rested and prepared for the busy week to come. Your Jacuzzi spa can also provide wonderful entertainment whenever you hold parties or small get-togethers.

 

Aloe Vera and its benefits

28 Jan

Hands affected by arthritis, 1963

Aloe vera (syn. A. barbadensis Mill., A. vulgaris Lam.) is a species of Aloe; a plant 80-100 cm tall, spreading by offsets and root sprouts. It has long history of use as ornamental plant and in herbal medicine.

When we say Aloe Vera, it often refers to Aloe Vera gel, obtained from tissue that makes up the inner portion of the leaves. The gel contains carbohydrate polymers, plus various other organic and inorganic compounds.

Aloe Vera contains over 20 minerals, all of which are essential to the human body. It also contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C and E. But the gel of the Aloe plant, when exposed to oxygen for a prolonged time oxidizes loosing its all values. Many products go through special stabilizing procedures, but the best source of aloe gel would be direct from a broken leaf of the plant.

Aloe Vera has been known for its healing properties since the dawn of civilization, but only recently have scientists attempted to verify benefits that it has. Gel has been used for treatment of wounds, minor burns, cuts, eczema and skin irritations. Many cosmetic companies are using it for its products like makeup, moisturizers, soaps, sunscreens, shampoos and lotions because of its well known healing properties.

Aloe Vera is very good in treating inflammation. It helps to regenerate new cells and disperse damaged tissue with no side-effects. The steroids present in the plant are also good in treating sunburns, arthritis and rheumatism, insect bites and stings, rashes, mouth ulcers, inflamed stomach and bowel disorders.

Aloe Vera is antioxidant as well. We know that they are essential for a healthy metabolism and protect against free radicals. Aloe Vera contains natural antioxidants in the form of vitamins B complex, C and E, plus beta-carotene which is converted by the body into vitamin A.

It is interesting that doctors never prescribe something like Aloe Vera; they usually stick to the branded medications, often not so good for us like natural ones. I always keep Aloe Vera gel, and use it on the skin at least once in two weeks. It smooths the skin, regenerates it, and boosts it up. It really works well for me, and I am always happy when using natural products. I advise everyone to have it.

 

Arthritis treatment guide

12 Jan

Marilyn Monroe

Arthritis Treatment Guide:

Arthritis is a group of conditions characterized by inflammation of one or more joints of the body. The inflammation may be caused by infection, trauma, degenerative changes and metabolic disturbances.

If you have arthritis of a joint, it will usually be painful, swollen and stiff. It can affect you at any age but you are more likely to get affected if you are an older adult or elderly; that too, more likely if you are a woman.

Arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the US. According to an article published on January’s edition of Arthritis & Rheumatism, nearly one in five US adults (46 million people) has arthritis and an estimated 67 million people will be affected by 2030.

There are several forms of arthritis and the cause may overlap or may be completely different for each of them.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is also known as degenerative arthritis, degenerative bone disease, ostoarthrosis and hypertrophic arthritis. It is a chronic condition characterized by destruction of the joint’s cartilage. Cartilage covers the ends of the bones inside a joint and acts like cushions. When the cartilage wears off the bone surfaces are less well protected and rubs against each other causing pain, stiffness and restriction of the joint movement. Osteoarthritis for this reason is said to be a wear-and-tear’ kind of arthritis.

Today, an estimated 27 million Americans live with osteoarthritis.

Juvenile Arthritis (JA)

A group of arthritic conditions seen in children, teens and young adults are classified under Juvenile Arthritis. Juvenile Arthritis includes Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA), Juvenile Spondyloarthropathy, Juvenile Dermatomyositis and Lupus in Children.

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) is the most common form of arthritis seen in children. It is a chronic condition which may involve one or more joints. In some children, other organs are also involved. It causes few problems in some children and serious complications in others. Because JRA affects multiple organs in some cases treatment of the disease involves a carefully coordinated, team care approach by the medical team involved.

Treatment of Arthritis:

Treatment of arthritis includes a variety of modes. Unfortunately, some forms of arthritis like osteoarthritis does not have a complete cure; the main aim of treatment is to relieve pain and suffering.

*1. Lifestyle

 

Arthritis Treatment and Prevention

12 Jan

Lawrence Welk & The Lennon Sisters

Arthritis is a disease that causes pain and loss of movement of the joints. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in people over the age of 55. Arthritis affects the movements you rely on for everyday activities. Arthritis refers to a group of more than 100 rheumatic diseases and other conditions that can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. There are many forms of arthritis, each of which has a different cause. Inflammatory arthritis is characterized by inflammation of tissues associated with joints. Connective tissue diseases, crystal deposition diseases, infectious arthritis, and spondyloarthropathies are examples of inflammatory arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis are autoimmune diseases in which the body is attacking itself. Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection. Gouty arthritis is caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint that results in subsequent inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is traditionally considered a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the joints. It is a disabling and painful inflammatory condition, which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. Arthritis sufferers include men and women, children and adults.

RA is a systemic disease, often affecting extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and muscles. Psoriatic arthritis (or arthropathic psoriasis) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects around 20% of people suffering from the chronic skin condition psoriasis. It occurs more commonly in patients with tissue type HLA-B27. Treatment of psoriatic arthritis is similar to that of rheumatoid arthritis. More than 80% of patients with psoriatic arthritis will have psoriatic nail lesions characterised by pitting of the nails, or more extremely, loss of the nail itself (onycholysis). Psoriatic arthritis is said to be a seronegative spondyloarthropathy. Degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) is a ubiquitous joint disease characterized pathologically by deterioration of cartilage lining the joints and new bone formation beneath the cartilage. The disease is very common in older persons and is thought to be inherent in the aging process.Degenerative joint disease is marked by a progressive stiffness, loss of function, and destruction of the larger, weight-bearing joints of the body.

Nonarticular rheumatism is a group of diseases, also called soft-tissue rheumatisms, that includes tendonitis, bursitis, tenosynovitis, and fibrositis. Septic arthritis is the invasion of the joint space by an infectious agent. The usual etiology is bacterial, but viral, mycobacterial, and fungal arthritis occur occasionally. Bacteria are either carried by the bloodstream from an infectious focus elsewhere, introduced by a skin lesion. For bacterial infection, Pseudomonas aeruginosa has been found to infect joints, for example in children who have sustained a puncture wound. This bacteria also causes endocarditis. Septic arthritis should be suspected when one joint (monoarthritis) is affected and the patient is febrile. Gout is a painful condition that occurs when the body cannot eliminate a natural substance called uric acid. The excess uric acid forms needle-like crystals in the joints that cause swelling and severe pain. Gout most often affects the big toe, knee and wrist joints. Gout is a form of arthritis (an inflammation of the joints). Symptoms of arthritis include pain and limited function of joints. Inflammation of the joints from arthritis is characterized by joint stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth. Tenderness of the inflamed joint can be present.

Arthritis Treatment and Prevention Tips

1.Treatment options is depending on the type of arthritis and include physical and occupational therapy, and medications (symptomatic or targeted at the disease process causing the arthritis).

2.Arthroplasty (joint replacement surgery) may be required in eroding forms of arthritis.

3.In conventional treatment, painkillers, such as paracetamol, are essential. Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, can help with episodes of more severe pain.

4.In recent years a new type of NSAID treatment, called Cox-2 inhibitors, has been launched. These were initially claimed to be less harmful to the stomach and many patients have found that they provided good pain relief for their arthritis.

5.Physiotherapy relieves pain and strengthens muscles around the damaged joint, helping the joint to work better.

6.Regular exercise is beneficial for the same reasons and, once pain is under control, easy to do.

7.Hip and knee replacements are common and usually involve a short hospital visit.

8.Disease-modifying drugs that slow disease progression are available for people with rheumatoid arthritis.