If you experience regular or ongoing joint pain and inflammation, you are not alone. Over 100 different types of arthritis affect millions of Australians daily. Diagnosis and understanding are the first step to managing this disease.
Arthritis symptoms and diagnosis
The most common symptoms of arthritis are ongoing or recurring:
- pain in one or more joints,
- stiffness, or limitations to range of movement,
- swelling.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, please discuss them with your GP for a diagnosis. They will check your range of movement and examine your joints. They may also order blood tests and images or refer you to a rheumatologist. This helps identify the correct type of arthritis and form the best treatment plan for your circumstances.
Reduce pressure on joints
The best thing we can do for arthritic joints is to reduce the pressure we put on them.
- Strength training exercises help increase strength and flexibility around the affected joint. Ask your GP or physiotherapist for the best place to start.
- Maintain a healthy weight, as extra weight puts extra load on your joints, especially your knees and hips.
Know and avoid your triggers
An arthritis flare-up can come out of nowhere, but common triggers to avoid (or minimise) include:
- Overworking the joint with too much activity
- Cold or humid weather
- Other infections
- Stress
Treat arthritis pain and swelling
As all arthritis is different, speak to your GP or rheumatologist about the best treatment plan. Almost all plans include acting as soon as you begin to feel a flare-up coming on.
Most people find a combination of the following helps reduce the severity and duration of a flare-up symptoms:
- Rest well and rest early.
- Use heat to get you moving again. Try a warm bath, shower, or electric blanket to reduce joint stiffness.
- Apply a gel ice pack (or unopened packet of frozen vegetables) to the affected joint for quick relief from pain and inflammation.
- Anti-inflammatory pain medication^ either prescription and over-the-counter.
Ask your local Capital Chemist pharmacist for advice to get the best results from your prescription medications or options for over-the-counter arthritis pain relief.
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