Ask Your Pharmacist – Osteoarthritis
A CAPSULAR MOMENT
By David Bodunde Rph
OSTEOARTHRITIS
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and the most cited cause of pain and disability in the elderly population. Most sufferers are over the age of 45. In the body, a joint is where two bones come together. We have joints in our knees, elbows, wrists, and fingers. In a healthy joint there is a cushioning of liquid (Synovial fluid) and a layer of thick cartilage that covers the ends of bones as they come together. In healthy joints, the bones move over each other with very little friction and no pain at all. With the onset of osteoarthritis, the cartilage starts to wear off the bones at a much faster rate than normal. Without the protective covering, the ends of the bones grinds together and inflammation occurs. Over time, this grinding action breaks off small pieces of bone that float in the synovial fluid. The bone ends become ragged and joint movement feels rusty and painful.
As the disease progresses, it becomes harder to move and when you do move, pain results. Osteoarthritis can come on gradually, and before you know it, your body hurts when you stand up or try to walk across the street. Because our bodies cannot reproduce cartilage naturally, the treatment option consists of making the pain more bearable, or helping the body produce more protective cartilage.
Signs and symptoms
The main symptom is pain and stiffness. The pain usually presents as a sharp ache or a burning sensation in the associate muscles and tendons. Osteoarthritis can cause a crackling noise (called crepitus) when the affected joint is moved or touched and occasionally the joints may be filled with fluid. Humid and cold weather increases the pain in many people.
Risk factors for developing osteoarthritis
- Genetics
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Muscle weakness
- Occupational factors
- Joint injury
- Low bone density
Non – drug treatment
Exercise – Regular exercise can be beneficial in strengthening muscles around the joint, increasing stamina and improving daily living activities. Exercising in water is a good way strengthen muscles without joint stress
Aids for living – Orthotic shoe inserts and special splints can help stabilize different joints. Use of a cane can reduce the weight on a hip by 20-50%. The cane should be used on the opposite side of the affected hip. Other assistive devices include grip bars in the shower and raised toilet seat.
Weight Loss – People who are obese or overweight should be encouraged to lose weight to help reduce joint stress
Thermal therapy – Hot and cold application may be useful in providing relief.
OTC Treatments
Anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen, aspirin, or naproxen play a role in reducing inflammation in a joint, muscle or tendon. These medications should always be taken with a meal or a snack to prevent stomach upset Long term use of these medicines can lead to stomach bleeding, ulcers, increased cardiovascular risk and kidney problems.
Some supplements have been used with varying degrees of success
Glucosamine sulphate – the jury is out on this supplement. Some studies have shown that usefulness of glucosamine has been overrated while some people swear by it. The consensus is that if you use glucosamine for about 6 weeks without any response, it is time to give it up.
MSM – This sulphur compound forms a building block of new connective tissue and cartilage around arthritis damaged joints
SAM-e – No one knows how exactly this works but SAM-e seems to increase the formation of cartilage in the joints and reduces pain, stiffness, and swelling. It also has anti-inflammatory property that benefits arthritis sufferers
Prescription treatments
The most commonly prescribed medicines for osteoarthritis are anti-inflammatories. They are referred to as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
They carry the same risks as OTC anti-inflammatories and should be avoided by people who suffer with an ulcer or reflux problems.
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To speak with David Bodunde, Rph in person, visit the Manitouwadge Pharmacy, Unit 2, Hallmarket Square in Manitouwadge or call 826.3888
The opinions expressed on OntarioNewsNorth.com and by David Bodunde,Rph are published for educational and informational purposes only, and are not intended as a diagnosis, treatment or as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment. Please consult a local physician or other health care professional for your specific health care and/or medical needs or concerns.
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