ARTHRITIS
What is Athritis?
Also known as rheumatism or rheumatic pain, arthritis covers any painful condition of the muscles and/or joints of the arms, legs and spine. The main symptom is pain, which in some cases of Rheumatoid arthritis can be accompanied by inflammation. Symptoms are often worse in the morning, but get better as the day goes on and the joints are used more.
Rheumatism is usually caused by either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, both of which are completely separate disease processes.
- Osteoarthritis is a common condition of old age, affecting more than 10% of the population over 65 years and is more common in women than men. It affects mainly the hips and knees (the main load-bearing joints of the body) although the hands and spine may also be affected.
It is caused mainly by wear and tear to the joints but can also be caused by a joint injury sustained earlier in life. Pain comes from the degeneration of the cartilage that protects the end of the bone within the joint. This allows the underlying bone to be exposed and can lead to fracture. Protrusions of bone (osteophytes) may develop, resulting in enlargement of the joint, pain and immobility. Cysts may also form in the bone and the synovium (the fluid-filled pocket surrounding the joint), increasing the inflammation.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is a progressive inflammatory disease that affects about 1% of the adult population regardless of age - although it is more prevalent in women than men. It is an inflammatory condition affecting multiple joints, particularly the hands, wrists, elbows and feet. If it worsens, it may also affect the large joints in the body and may cause severe disability and joint malformation. Pain is still present while the joint is at rest, but activity can reduce the associated stiffness.
It is possible for sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis to also suffer with osteoarthritis in old age. You should seek medical advice if the pain is severe - treatment for severe osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is usually managed by a doctor, who will prescribe appropriate medication.
Welcome relief
Offers up to eight hours’ relief – when 2 tablets are taken.
Your Arthritis kit:
- Anadin Joint Pain: Take one to two tablets up to 3 times a day for fast effective relief.
- Healthy diet: Losing any excess weight helps take the stress off your joints.
- Gentle exercise: Exercise helps build muscle around your affected joint, which can support it and keep it flexible. Good activities include walking and cycling, as they’re easy to fit in every day. In addition, swimming is particularly suitable: it can help build strength with less strain, as your body is supported by the water.
- Physiotherapy and occupational therapy: Occasionally this is required to maintain good quality of life.
