The Joint Pain Survival Guide

Transcription

1 The Joint Pain Survival Guide

2 Copyright Notice Copyright 2007, All Rights Reserved UK Copyright and International Laws apply. You may not reproduce any part of this publication, store it in a retrieval system, or pass it on in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, by photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the Publisher and Author. Any unauthorised broadcasting, public performance, copying, or transfer or material constitutes infringement of copyright. This book and all the information here are provided to you for information and education purposes only. The author, creator and publisher of this guide are not medical providers. You should not construe the information herein as medical advice. The information presented in this guide is not meant to replace the advice provided by your GP. No warranty may be created or extended by sales representatives or written sales materials. The information and strategies enclosed may not be suitable for your situation. You should always consult with a medical health professional when dealing with any medical condition. The same is true of any program involving your health and wellness. Information about health cannot be generalised to the population at large. Keep in mind you should consult with a qualified physician when suffering from any illness. Neither the Publisher nor Author shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other commercial damages resulting from use of this guide. You agree by reading this to protect and hold harmless the author, publisher and owner of this guide. You waive all rights about any circumstances negative or otherwise that arise from use of this book, including emotional or physical distress. The author, publishers and associated contacts are not medically qualified to treat or provide education and direction about specific health conditions. You recognise that you take and use all information as is. All links are for information purposes only. We do not warrant for content, accuracy or any other implied or exact purpose. 2

3 Table of Contents Introduction to Joint Pain and Arthritis...4 What is Arthritis?...5 Prevalence of Various Types of Arthritis...6 What are the Primary Effects of Arthritis?...7 What are the Psychological Effects of Arthritis?...7 What are the Economic Impacts of Arthritis?...8 What We Learned...8 Arthritis and You: Steps You Can Take To Control Your Health...10 Joint Pain Causes and Diagnosis...10 What is Osteoarthritis?...10 What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?...12 What is Psoriatic Arthritis?...13 Arthritis in Children...13 What Other Autoimmune Conditions Case Joint Pain?...14 Ankylosing Spondylitis...15 Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)...15 Gout...16 What We Learned...16 How to Live With Joint Pain and Arthritis...18 Traditional Treatments for Joint Pain and Inflammation...18 Natural Treatment Choices for Patients with Joint Pain...20 What We Learned...21 Joint Pain Frequently Asked Questions...22 Conclusions...24 Resources

4 Introduction to Joint Pain and Arthritis If you or someone you know suffers from arthritis or joint pain welcome. You likely selected this book to learn more about arthritis or joint pain. Arthritis is a potentially devastating, long-term, and chronic condition. The good news is by reading this guide, you gain a competitive advantage. The information in this guide will help you overcome the pain and discomfort of arthritis and related conditions. You may soon realise a dramatic improvement in your symptoms and prognosis. You can achieve this simply by learning as much as you can about this disease, its causes and possible treatments. For you to understand joint pain and arthritis, you must first understand its impact. More than 8 million people living in the UK each year, of every 60 million people surveyed, suffer from arthritis Arthritis and joint conditions are not exclusive to the UK. Each year doctors diagnose more than 46 million people in the United States with arthritis. In France as in the UK, doctors diagnose more than 8 million people yearly. In Brazil, more than 25 million people have arthritis i. Other countries with high percentages of people diagnosed with arthritis include: Ukraine More than 6 million people yearly Russia More than 19 million people yearly Spain More than 5 million people yearly Italy More than 7 million people yearly Japan More than 17 million people yearly Turkey More than 9 million people yearly Vietnam More than 11 million people yearly Ethiopia More than 9 million people yearly South Africa More than 6 million people yearly China More than 176 MILLION people yearly Population statistics are so high in China partly because the population survey sample included more than 1 billion people. This is the largest population 4

5 sampling of all-time. This suggests that arthritis is not something affecting one population or one country; it is a health problem with international consequences. Arthritis is a leading cause of disability in many countries, including in the UK. The same is true in the United States, in China, and in other countries with more and more people reporting joint pain every year. A report by the Arthritis Research Campaign (ARC) in the UK shows that arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability in the UK, affecting people of all ages, races, and health status What is Arthritis? Arthritis is one of the leading causes for joint pain and discomfort. Arthritis is a chronic rheumatic disease or joint disorder affecting many joints in the body. The joints include the parts of the body that help move body parts like the elbow, knees, hips, finger joints, and ankle joints. Joint pain, also known formally as arthralgia, is one of the leading symptoms of arthritis. Many researchers believe there are between 100 and 200 various forms of arthritis. Because of this, arthritis is a disease that is often difficult to diagnose. A rheumatic disease is one of many diseases that affect the muscles, the joints, tendons in the body, ligaments, and other internal areas of the body. The more common symptoms of arthritis include: Joint stiffness Pain in the joints Swelling of the joints Warmth or redness in the joints Tenderness of joints that are inflamed Fatigue General malaise Depression Some patients experience other symptoms. These may include swelling in the glands, fatigue, and weight loss. Symptoms differ from patient-to-patient, making diagnosis often tricky for GPs or general practitioners. 5

6 Prevalence of Various Types of Arthritis There are many different forms of arthritis. The ARC reports in the UK alone there are more than 200 different types of arthritis and other chronic health conditions that can lead to joint pain, inflammation, and disability. Unfortunately, in many countries including the UK there is no one exact method GPs use to diagnose arthritis. There is little research in fact, focusing on arthritis. Many health studies focus on other serious illnesses, like cancer. While the Health Survey for England focuses on health conditions including cardiovascular disease, it does not focus on conditions causing joint pain and inflammation ii. Despite this, record numbers of the population suffer from joint disease. According to information from the Mayo Clinic and Journal of Arthritis and Rheumatology, the following is true iii : More than 21 million people suffer from osteoarthritis. Roughly, 2 million + people suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Over 5 million adults suffer from other forms of arthritis. This statistic is also true of other chronic immune conditions causing joint pain and inflammation. Some people are more at risk for arthritis and joint pain than others are. Here are some added statistics provided by the National Institutes for Health and census data collected from 2003 through 2005: Roughly, 8% of people diagnosed with arthritis are between the ages of 18 and 44. Almost 29% of patients receive a diagnosis between the ages of 45 and 64. Over 47% aged 65 and older will receive a diagnosis of arthritis. Women are more likely than men are, almost twice as likely as men, to develop autoimmune disorders including arthritis. Other common conditions affecting women include gout and fibromyalgia, which also cause chronic inflammation and joint pain. Of those diagnosed with arthritis, roughly 60% or more are overweight or obese. This suggests weight is a significant contributing cause to arthritis, joint pain, and inflammation. It may also cause or contribute to some autoimmune diseases. The UK reportedly has one of the highest rates of obesity in the world, suggesting the number of people diagnosed with arthritis will increase yearly. 6

7 This also suggests the costs of treatment are likely to exceed 6 million or more (based on previous statistics). It is hard to peg an exact figure, because many people try to treat their symptoms on their own. They use OTC medications and traditional pain relievers instead of targeted prescriptions from their GPs. In the UK, ARC reports that arthritis likely represents a much more serious health problem than previously recorded. One reason is many people with arthritis do not seek a proper diagnosis from their GP. In a survey conducted by the ARC in 2004, roughly, 13 million people suggested arthritis or joint pain influenced their health. This contrasts with the 8 million people officially reported by the US Census Bureau International poll of 60 million residents of Great Britain. What are the Primary Effects of Arthritis? Arthritis can have many effects on the incumbent, depending on the type and severity of arthritis one has, and the extent to which an individual receives proper healthcare and early intervention. Arthritis most commonly affects individual s mobility. Most patients diagnosed with arthritis will experience limits in many vital life activities. These include (but are not limited to): One s ability to walk comfortably. More than 6 million people according to the NHIS have difficulty walking. Patient s ability to bend or kneel, with more than 8 million people affected in this way. Individual s ability to climb stairs. 5 million people reported difficulty performing this task in a 2002 survey by the NHIS. The CDC in 2002 reported that most patients diagnosed with any form of arthritis report experiencing daily problems with life activities. These include walking, bending, stooping, and moving, sleeping or even picking up groceries. A report published in the Journal of Rheumatology in 2003 suggests that people with properly diagnosed arthritis report they experience a much-reduced quality of life than those with normal health iv. As if that were not bad enough, roughly 3% of all in-patient hospitalisations are associated with chronic pain and inflammation or joint-mobility issues one can relate directly to a doctor-diagnosed case of arthritis v. What are the Psychological Effects of Arthritis? 7

8 Any diagnosis associated with chronic illness can have long-lasting, negative effects on a patient. A diagnosis of arthritis is of particular concern, in part because arthritis typically involves chronic pain and swelling of the joints. This chronic pain can lead to a decreased quality of life. One reason for this is patients are not able to enjoy all the activities they could prior to the manifestation of their condition. The most commonly reported mental health side effect associated with arthritis is major depression. Patients have an increased risk of almost 18% or more following a diagnosis and realisation of the true functional limitations in one s health caused by arthritis vi. What are the Economic Impacts of Arthritis? Arthritis has many economic impacts on government health systems and medical care providers. It also affects individual s suffering from the condition. This is especially true of people that are disabled due to their condition. A report released by Access Economic for Arthritis Australia, found that the health system spent upwards of 3 billion dollars in 2004 alone, constituting roughly 5% of the total national health expenditure in Australia vii. In the UK, the costs of arthritis to the nation are, according to the Arthritis Research Campaign, shocking viii. Here are some eye opening statistics about the economic impacts of arthritis in the UK: Between 1999 and 2000, more than 200 million working days in the UK were lost, equating to a loss in production of more than 18 billion. Direct healthcare costs exceeded 5 billion, almost 6 billion during the same one-year time. Prescription costs associated with arthritis treatments in the UK average 300+ million every year. While this sounds incredible, you should note that arthritis still receives relatively little attention from officials in the UK and in many other countries. Efforts are more commonly focused on national problems including cardiovascular disease and cancer. While these chronic health conditions are equally devastating, so too are the economic influences of arthritis on the population at large. What We Learned Statistics do not lie. You can easily see just how widespread the arthritis epidemic is not only in the UK and other developed nations, but in the world as a whole. Despite this, health officials including those in the UK have done relatively little to focus on the needs of arthritis patients. 8

9 The ARC for example, notes that while national registries are available for patients with asthma or musculoskeletal conditions, no such resources are available to arthritis sufferers. This may be the result of lack of attention by GPs or the lack of initiative among patients to seek the care of their GPs when needed. Here is what YOU need to know. Arthritis is a very serious health condition. When left untreated, it can shorten one s life expectancy and lead to permanent disability and disfigurement. Within The European Union at present there are few if any systems in place funding directed research geared toward improving care and diagnosis for patients with arthritis. What does this mean for you? As a potential victim of arthritis, you must take action to take charge of your own health. You must learn to recognise the most common symptoms of arthritis. You must take steps to actively control your disease by meeting with your GP to discuss your symptoms, evaluate them, and receive proper treatment. The good news is that with proper care, many patients can recover from and dramatically improve the quality of their life. While there is no cure for arthritis, modern technology has enabled researchers to discover many new treatments, including treatments for more serious forms of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis. These treatments may help slow the progression of the disease, so it is less likely to become disabling with time. In the next section, we will spend some time talking more about the signs, symptoms, and treatment choices available for patients with arthritis and related conditions causing joint pain, inflammation, and limited mobility. 9

10 Arthritis and You: Steps You Can Take To Control Your Health So far, we have taken a rather formal approach to reviewing arthritis. Now it is time for you to learn more about arthritis, its various forms, and the symptoms of arthritis and other conditions contributing to joint pain and inflammation. No one wants to live a life filled with pain. The key to a healthy, wonderful, and rewarding life is diagnosing joint problems early in their lifespan. The sooner you meet with your GP, the more likely you are to receive the quality care you deserve and need. Your GP can also work with you directly to quantify your symptoms and provide you with an accurate diagnosis. Not all joint pain and inflammation is the result of arthritis. That is one reason it is important you seek the care and advice of a competent healthcare professional when diagnosing your condition. Joint Pain Causes and Diagnosis Many causes for joint pain and inflammation exist, none the least of which is arthritis. It is important you take action to identify the causes of your joint pain as soon as you notice you have a chronic health problem. Without proper care, joint problems can shorten your life expectancy by several years. Patients with a severe form of arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, are more likely to experience a reduced quality of life than those with osteoarthritis, a type of arthritis that typically affects people later in life. Let us take a moment to learn more about these different forms of arthritis, so you are better prepared to take proper steps to care for your health and wellness. 45% of more of the population in the UK suffer from pain caused from arthritis and related conditions, according to a General Household Survey of European citisens ix Proper care starts with proper diagnosis, so let us begin by looking at the many forms of arthritis. What is Osteoarthritis? 10

11 Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis affecting mostly the elderly. Typically, women are almost two times as likely to suffer from this form of arthritis as men. Osteoarthritis or OA is most likely to affect the hands, knees, and hip joints. While OA is common among the elderly, it is not a disease exclusive to adults. Younger adults, those between the ages of 25 and 44, can also develop osteoarthritis, especially in the hands and knees x. People with OA by Country Since OA is one of the more common forms of arthritis, one that develops because of decreasing bone density, it is helpful to see how OA affects people in various regions of the world. The ARC provides an overview of the number of people diagnosed with OA each year: - England: More than 3 million people with OA in the hands - Scotland: Roughly 400,000 people with OA in the hands - Northern Ireland: About 14,000 people with OA in the hands The number of people with OA in other joints including the hip and knees are as follows: - England: Roughly 650,000+ people - Scotland: Roughly 70,000+ people - Northern Ireland: Roughly 20,000+ people As you can see, OA affects people differently in various regions, with those affected more often diagnosed with joint problems in their hands and knees. This pattern is common among many types of arthritis, including RA or Rheumatoid Arthritis. An OHE Health Statistics Compendium in 2001 reported that of those suffering from OA in 2000, almost 3 million sought care from their GP. There is evidence suggesting that OA is on the rise throughout the world, for many reasons. One reason is that universally the population is aging, and OA is a form of arthritis more likely to affect aging people. In addition, risk factors for OA are on the rise. These include obesity, overweight, and lack of adequate health care. Some people have a hereditary disposition to develop OA. If you have a family 11

12 history of OA or any form of arthritis, you are much more likely to develop arthritis than someone who does not have a genetic link. For this reason, it is critical that anyone with a family history of arthritis tell their GP as soon as possible so they can engage in early detection and treatment. Remember, Early Detection and Treatment Saves Lives Now that you know a bit more about OA, let us look at the second most common form of arthritis diagnosed in people. What is Rheumatoid Arthritis? Rheumatoid Arthritis, or RA, is much more likely to affect people of all ages and sizes. There is no one predisposing risk factor for this disease, though there are some risk factors we will talk about. Like OA, RA is more common in women than in men. Within the UK, just under 400,000 people were diagnosed with RA in 2000 alone xi. Just under 1 percent of the population of UK suffers from RA; the same is true of citisens living in the United States. Generally, RA tends to affect less than 4 percent of the population surveyed. RA can strike anyone from about age 16 on, though it is most likely to manifest symptomatically in the 30s or early 40s. Like other forms of arthritis, RA tends to worsen with time. Chief symptoms include: Joint pain or stiffness. Inflammation of joints. Pain and inflammation that flares. Discomfort is usually worse in the mornings and while at rest. Symptoms usually become less apparent after the first few hours of the morning. Joints are affected equally, meaning if one knee joint is affected the other is likely to become affected as well. Pain is paralleled in most joints, with the hands, knees, elbows and wrists most often affected during the early stages. RA is a degenerative disease. This means over time RA will destroy the joints it affects. Many patients with advanced forms of RA will have knobby fingers and growths on their fingers or on other joints in their body. 12

13 RA is one of the diseases where it is crucial early detection and treatment are initiated. There is a new class of drugs available to patients that can treat pain, but also help reduce or slow the progression of joint degeneration with time. Researchers believe RA is a hereditary disease. Other factors that may increase one s odds of developing rheumatoid arthritis include a history of smoking or overweight and obesity. Some researchers believe children can contract an infection during birth that can lead to the later development of RA. RA is often difficult to diagnose. This is because not all patients with RA will have the same patterns of disease degeneration. If your doctor suspects rheumatoid arthritis, he or she will likely order a complete blood panel, to detect rheumatoid factor in the blood. Roughly, 80% of patients with RA have rheumatoid factor circulating in their bloodstreams. Other tests that are indicators of inflammation include an ANA blood test. Your GP may also have these tests conducted to rule out other conditions that mimic RA. An example is psoriatic arthritis, which affects joints similarly to RA, and sometimes affects joints in the same parallel fashion, but is often a less severe form of arthritis. What is Psoriatic Arthritis? Like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis is triggered by an autoimmune disorder in the body. Patients who have psoriasis, a skin condition that causes redness and flaking of the skin, are likely to develop psoriatic arthritis at some point in their lives. Like RA, there are no definitive tests to diagnose psoriatic arthritis. GPs will rely on a comprehensive medical exam, history, blood tests and may take X-Rays of the affected joints to see if inflammation or joint degeneration is present. The good news is psoriatic arthritis is often less severe than RA, but both diseases often require treatment with anti-inflammatory medications and possibly the use of DMARD, or disease modifying agents that slow the progression of the disease. Arthritis in Children Arthritis is not a disease that affects adults only, though it is more common among adults. Each year thousands of children develop a condition known as juvenile arthritis or juvenile idiopathic arthritis. This form of arthritis like others more commonly affects young girls. 13

14 By now, you may have concluded that simply being female is a risk factor for arthritis. You are right to assume so, because arthritis and other autoimmune conditions are more likely to affect women for reasons not yet fully understood by researchers. Some believe women are more at risk because their immune systems are often compromised, especially during pregnancy, which can lead to the development of various conditions. Some researchers believe that childhood arthritis follows a cyclical pattern, and may result from exposure to an infection in early childhood. There is some evidence suggesting breastfed children are less at risk for childhood arthritis than others are. As a parent, while you may have concerns about this form of arthritis, you should know this is a relatively rare or uncommon form of arthritis. In recent years, the number of children diagnosed with idiopathic arthritis has remained relatively constant. This is true of children throughout the world. The symptoms of childhood arthritis are much like the symptoms of inflammatory or other forms of arthritis, and may include joint pain, swelling and fatigue. Some children find their symptoms improve with age, whereas others will develop other autoimmune conditions or forms of arthritis as they age. What Other Autoimmune Conditions Case Joint Pain? In the last section, we talked about the many forms of arthritis. Because there are so many forms of arthritis, it is impossible to list them all in this short guidebook. What you should know is arthritis, regardless of the type, tends to cause the same symptoms and problems among children and adults alike that have the disease. Most Common Symptoms of Arthritis While arthritis takes on many forms, the symptoms of inflammatory arthritis are generally the same, though they may be more or less severe depending on the type of arthritis you have. Here are the most common symptoms of arthritis doctors look for when attempting to diagnose the disease: - Patterns of joint pain, swelling, and inflammation. 14

15 -Obvious change in the appearance of joints, including swelling or bony protrusions. - Inflammation that is noticeable or easily diagnosed by a series of blood tests. - Stiffness, that may persist throughout the day, or be worse in the mornings or when one is inactive. - Fatigue and feelings of general malaise. - Loss of weight. - Depression, usually resulting from physical limitations or chronic pain. - Joint problems in two or more joints in the body. Pain persists for three weeks to three months or more without significant relief. - Moderate joint pain or discomfort not alleviated by traditional medications including anti-inflammatory agents. Other autoimmune diseases can cause significant joint pain, tenderness, stiffness, and swelling similar to that of arthritis. In this section, we will review some of the more common autoimmune conditions so you can distinguish them from arthritis. Ankylosing Spondylitis This condition results in more than 200,000 visits to the GP each year. This is the one condition where men are more likely to develop the chronic condition than women are. While it can occur at many ages, it most common occurs between the ages of 16 and 64. AS is a condition that is usually present in European Caucasians with a defective HLA-B27 gene. This makes AS a hereditary disease more so than any other disease. Millions of workdays are lost each year to this debilitating condition. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) This is yet another autoimmune disease more common in women than in men. It causes many symptoms, including fatigue and malaise. SLE is more commonly 15

16 recognised by the trademark butterfly mask or rash that appears on the cheek and nose of patients with this condition. Like many autoimmune condition, researchers believe there is a strong link between genetics and one s likelihood to develop SLE. SLE can result in joint pain and stiffness. SLE is one disease where simply being a woman is considered a very real risk factor. Some believe it is possible to contract SLE from a viral infection in the body, or that an infection that weakens the immune system may simply trigger a preexisting disease. Gout Gout can also result in chronic joint pain or inflammation, though usually joint pain is limited to one joint in the body, and is very common in the toes or in a knee joint. Gout is more often than not a condition resulting from higher than normal levels of uric acid in the bloodstream. One reason for this is being overweight or obese. Other risk factors include having high blood pressure. Many people with gout are treated with diuretic therapy to reduce uric acid build-up and fluid retention in the body, which can lead to inflammation and joint pain. Some studies suggest this disease is increasing in frequency, in part because it is more common among the aging, and partly because it is more common among those who are overweight. Worldwide, more people than ever are likely to be obese or overweight today than a decade ago. Many other health conditions can cause joint pain and inflammation aside from those listed above. Even something as simple as a sports related injury may result in joint pain or swelling. What We Learned There are many causes for joint pain, stiffness and swelling, though arthritis is more often than not the leading culprit. There are many forms of arthritis a doctor can diagnose, though the most common forms include: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, childhood arthritis or general inflammatory arthritis. Other conditions, including gout can cause joint pain and swelling. This is one reason it is very important you seek the care and evaluation of a qualified GP if you suspect you may have arthritis or a related condition. Remember the primary 16

17 symptoms of arthritis include persistent or chronic joint pain, stiffness, inflammation, fatigue and even depression. 17

18 How to Live With Joint Pain and Arthritis So far, we have focused on the technical aspects of joint pain and arthritis. As a review, here is a comparison chart of the people most likely to experience problems associated with any form of inflammatory arthritis: Groups Most Likely to Have Arthritis While anyone can develop joint pain or arthritis, it is more common is some populations than others are. These populations include: 1. Women more women are likely to develop arthritis and other autoimmune disorders than men are. 2. Elderly as people age, they become more susceptible to many diseases including arthritis. 3. Poverty people living under lower socio-economic status or those enjoying less wealth and access to proper healthcare are more likely to suffer from chronic disease including arthritis. Overall, young people are more likely to suffer from joint pain not affiliated with arthritis than older people are. Joint and back pain are relatively common among people of all ages, while osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis for example, are more likely to affect people as they get older. People in their 30s and above are more likely to be diagnosed with arthritis than those in their 20s. If you have arthritis, there is no reason you cannot enjoy a good quality of life. There are many modern and unconventional treatment choices available to help reduce joint pain, stiffness and other problems associated with arthritis and related conditions. In this section, we will focus on many traditional and some unconventional approaches to treating joint pain. Joint pain and back pain are among the leading complaints among individuals with inflammatory diseases including arthritis. Let us review some common treatments that help relieve these symptoms, so you can learn to better control your symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life. Traditional Treatments for Joint Pain and Inflammation 18

19 Once diagnosed, joint pain and arthritis are more easily treated. Among the more common treatments recommended for patients include physical activity and OTC or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory agents like naproxen, aspirin, paracetamol and related agents. For individuals with severe joint pain and inflammation, a new class of drugs called Cox-2 inhibitors were recently introduced that are stronger than the OTC medications prescribed patients. There is some risk among patients taking Cox-2 inhibitors for an increased risk of cardiovascular side effects. For this reason, GPs may opt for other medications to reduce pain. These may include short-term use of narcotic agents or other strong anti-pain and anti-inflammatory agents. Here is a listing of the more common treatments used to alleviate joint pain: Paracetamol and other over-the-counter pain reducing agents. Narcotics or other pain-killing agents for short-term relief. COX-1 and COX-2 inhibitors, a class of medications that affect prostaglandin production, a hormone in the body that may increase inflammation. DMARDs, a new type of drug, also known as a disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs or agents. These help slow the progression of joint deterioration prevalent in patients with rheumatic diseases like arthritis. Corticosteroid treatments, including prednisone or hydrocortisone, which may help suppress the immune system and hence decrease inflammation and pain. Biologic agents or TNF-blocking agents like etanercept. This is a new class of drugs that help reduce pain, stiffness, and may slow the progression of the disease. A doctor may prescribe this to patients with moderate and severe RA, psoriatic arthritis, and sometimes patients with ankylosing spondylitis. TNF is an abbreviation for tumor necrosis factor, a protein that is often elevated in patients with weakened immune systems or rheumatic diseases. 19

20 Natural Treatment Choices for Patients with Joint Pain Fortunately, there are also many natural treatments available for patients with arthritis and joint pain. Very often patients can use these treatments in combination with traditional modalities, or use them alone if their joint symptoms are not severe. Here are some of the most common natural therapies available to help treat joint pain and inflammation. Diet and Exercise One of the simplest steps a person can take to improve their overall health is adopt a healthy diet and exercise program. You may think that someone with arthritis would avoid exercise like the plague; however, moderate exercise can actually help reduce pain and inflammation. The key is engaging in exercises that are easy on the joints, like swimming or walking. Exercise can also help eliminate excess weight, a common cause for joint pain. Changes in one s diet can also lead to weight loss, but can also inhibit the body s production of prostaglandins, which may lead to inflammation. A diet rich on Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fatty fishes and flax seed, is very helpful for reducing inflammation and pain. Physical Therapy Physical therapy can help improve joint mobility and reduce inflammation. It can also boost one s spirits as they realise a reduction in their symptoms. A physical therapist can teach patients to move and exercise their muscles without damaging their joints, which will increase one s stamina and overall wellness. Acupuncture There are some studies suggesting acupuncture is an effective natural treatment for joint pain, swelling and discomfort. One may combine acupuncture with other traditional or non-traditional remedies to help facilitate one s well-being. Acupuncture may also help reduce fatigue in patients with rheumatic diseases. Hot/Cold Therapy Many patients realise a reduction in pain and stiffness when they alternate hot and cold baths. A healthcare provider may recommend a patient submerge the affected joints (or their entire body) in hot or warm water (like in a sauna) followed by cold or cool water (as in a pool). This can often lead to decreasing inflammation and hence, less pain and discomfort. 20

21 Keep in mind the types of treatments you select will depend on your age, diagnosis, and the severity of your symptoms. This list is by no means allinclusive. You should always consult with your GP to find out more about your disease and treatment choices available to help improve your symptoms. What We Learned There are many effective treatments available for patients with joint pain, inflammation, and arthritis. The types of treatments you select will depend largely on the disease your doctor confirms, the severity of it, and your preferences for medication or natural remedies. Remember that a traditional approach to treatment including medication therapy does come with side effects. It is important you work closely with your GP to minimise the side effects of treatment so they do not outweigh the benefits of treatment. Most patients will go through a period of trial and error when attempting to find out what works best to treat their joint pain. Since no one person is the same biologically or physiologically, no one treatment is exactly the right one for everyone. You will have to become the master of your health, and through a process of trial and error find out what treatments are likely to reduce the vast majority of your symptoms. Now that you know more about arthritis and other causes of joint pain and discomfort, let us review some of the more commonly asked questions people have about joint pain and arthritis we may not have covered in our guide. This will allow you as much information about your condition as possible. The sooner you start feeling better, the sooner you will start enjoying life to the fullest of your ability! 21

22 Joint Pain Frequently Asked Questions Q. What are some other rheumatic conditions resulting in joint pain? A. Many diseases can lead to joint pain and stiffness. We talked about many of these, including SLE or systemic lupus erythematosus. Other rheumatic diseases commonly associated with autoimmune problems include: fibromyalgia, scleroderma, and spondyloarthropathies. Each of these diseases is unique and causes its own symptoms. For example, fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that often causes muscle pain, stiffness and tenderness. Fatigue is also common in patients with this condition. Scleroderma is a disease that results in hardening of a patient s skin and sometimes their internal organs. Spondyloarthropathies is a catchall term for several rheumatic conditions that affect the spine, causing joint pain and stiffness. A few other diseases include infectious arthritis, a form of arthritis that develops because of a viral infection of bacteria, and bursitis, a condition where the bursae or fluid-filled sacs of the bones and joints become inflamed and stiff. Q. What are some other natural or holistic treatments for joint pain? A. Some other natural treatments some patients find helpful include: yoga, meditation, visualisation, allergy testing and treatment, and massage therapy or other bodywork. Many CAM or complementary alternative medicine practitioners believe the power of the mind to overcome chronic illness is great. Practitioners in this field will often encourage patients with chronic diseases and pain to visualise themselves healthy, living in a state free from pain. This combined with other natural modalities can prove very uplifting and helpful for patients with joint pain. Q. Is there a cure for arthritis? A. No. While there is no cure however, there are many very effective treatments available. Some of them are so good they can restore a patient to almost full functioning, and limit the deterioration of joints in patients significantly, thereby extending their lives. The earlier you seek treatment and proper diagnosis for your condition, the more likely you are to enjoy a better quality of life. Q. My doctor says I have seronegative arthritis. What is this? A. Seronegative arthritis is a form of rheumatic disease where a patient experiences all of the symptoms common to inflammatory arthritis, including joint 22

23 pain, tenderness, redness and swelling, but none of the blood work conducted comes back positive. This means patients blood tests may reveal zero rheumatoid factor and negative ANA test results. This does not mean however, that a patient does not have arthritis. One reason for negative blood tests is a patient may have an early form of arthritis. Another reason is arthritis is a disease that is difficult to diagnose, and not all patients with arthritis will have positive blood tests. This is why GPs will conduct several tests, including range-of-motion tests and conduct a full physical and medical history to help diagnose patients accurately and recommend proper treatment. 23

24 Conclusions Arthritis is a devastating, chronic illness affecting millions of people throughout the globe each year. The good news is new and advanced treatment choices are now available for patients diagnosed with this condition. Not all people with joint pain or stiffness will have arthritis. Arthritis is a rheumatic disease characterised by joint pain, tenderness, inflammation and fatigue to name a few symptoms. Many other diseases and illnesses, including obesity, can result in joint pain. If you suffer from chronic joint pain, make a point to talk with your GP about your symptoms and the quality of your life. Only by taking action will you start to realise a better quality of life. Your life is truly in your hands. You can lead an exceptional life, even with arthritis. Find out how to stop arthritis and joint pain in its tracks. You have already taken the first step by reading this guide. Now it is time for you to do your part. Contact your GP today, schedule an appointment, and start learning how you can stop joint pain from interfering with all life has to offer. To your health, happiness and wellness 24

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