_
ARTHRITIS

More than four million Canadians have arthritis, a chronic condition which causes pain and inflammation (burning, redness and swelling) and stiffness of the joints. The following are three common types of arthritis:

• Osteoarthritis is the most common and usually affects the hands, knees, hip and feet. With this condition, the joints deteriorate and the cartilage (the tissue which cushions the bone), breaks down, causing the bones to rub against each other. Surgery may be considered in advanced cases.

• Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body's immune system attacks healthy tissue. It usually begins in the smaller joints and some people will experience fatigue and flu-like symptoms with this condition.

• Fibromyalgia is characterized by fatigue, stiffness and chronic pain in the muscles, tendons and ligaments. Symptoms include sleeping difficulty, stiffness, chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety and chronic bowel irritation.

HOW DO I RELIEVE PAIN?

The following are some of the measures you can take to help relieve arthritic pain:

• Exercise as recommended by your doctor.

• Apply heat to lessen joint stiffness.

• Apply cold to reduce pain and inflammation.

• Adjust the way you sit and perform activities.

Your physiotherapist or occupational therapist can help you decide which measures are suitable for you.

 

Consult your
pharmacist
before taking any nonprescription medication.
 PAIN RELIEF WITH MEDICATION
Medications also play a crucial role in treating arthritis. The following are some pain-relief medications:

• Analgesics, such as acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol®), ASA (e.g. Aspirin®) and ibuprofen (e.g. Advil®) provide temporary pain relief for people with arthritis.

• ASA and ibuprofen are also categorized as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They reduce redness and swelling and are available without a prescription. However, if your symptoms persist or become chronic, your doctor can prescribe other NSAIDs, which may provide more effective pain relief.

• Certain types of arthritis are also treated with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) to control the disease. Corticosteroids may be recommended in some cases.

TIPS FOR NSAID USERS

NSAIDs may irritate your stomach, causing minor stomach pain, heartburn, or nausea. These symptoms can be prevented by taking your medication with a meal. If side-effects persist or become chronic, consult your pharmacist or doctor. NSAIDs may interact with some over-the-counter medications. For example, ASA and ibuprofen should never be taken with other NSAIDs. Acetaminophen is a reasonable alternative, particularly for the elderly, to avoid stomach irritation.

The Arthritis Society offers a wide variety of programs and services across Canada for people with arthritis. For more information, please call 1-800-321-1433.

Brought to you by your:
Provincial Pharmacy Regulatory Authority, - responsible for promoting and administering standards of pharmacy practice for the health and well-being of the general public.

Return To Reading Room | Return To Home Page

- Legal Disclaimer -