Phil Maynard 

The lowdown: Osteoarthritis treatments

A guide to the popular therapies.
  
  


Painkillers/ anti-inflammatories

Description
If you are suffering from prolonged or intermittent stiffness or aching in the joints, this may be the onset of osteoarthritis. It is a very painful condition caused by the breakdown of joint cartilage. There is no known cure and it is a degenerative illness but it can be treated with painkillers.

Availability
Your GP will be able to prescribe painkillers. Don't embark on a course of drugs without the advice of your doctor - even if they are available without prescription.

How much does it cost?
The price of a prescription (£6.50), or less if you buy over the counter.

Does it work?
Painkillers are effective at dealing with the symptoms of arthritis but they do not provide a long-term cure. High usage can also have side effects such as irritation of the stomach.

Diet/fitness

Description
The heavier you are, the more stress you put on joints such as the knees and hips. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly are the best ways of delaying the onset of arthritis.

Availability
Your doctor will be able to offer advice about healthy eating, and while the Arthritis Research Campaign does not recommend specific diets, it advises a daily intake of fruit and vegetables as well as regular oily fish consumption. Cod liver oil is also highly recommended.

How much does it cost?
If you eschew the expensive gym in favour of walking or running, and switch the ready meals for fresh fruit and vegetables, you shouldn't be out of pocket.

Does it work?
While being more prevention than cure, a good diet and a healthy lifestyle can slow down the degeneration of joints through osteoarthritis. Arthritis is often linked to obesity, so by losing weight you will ease the strain on your joints.

Acupuncture

Description
A centuries-old technique for treating all sorts of ailments from joint aches and muscular pain to stress. It involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points in the body.

Availability
Some GPs are starting to embrace complementary treatments such as acupuncture, so you may be entitled to sessions on the NHS. However, more likely you will have to pay. You are advised to use only qualified acupuncturists - go to www.acupuncture.org.uk or call 020-8735 0400.

How much does it cost?
Prices vary enormously but don't expect to pay less than £15 for a half-hour session.

Does it work?
The Arthritis Research Campaign suggests that while there is still no real clinical evidence for the efficacy of acupuncture, it does seem to offer short-term pain relief and could have long-term benefits (it is currently carrying out new clinical trials).

Glucosamine

Description
Glucosamine occurs naturally in the body and is found in high concentration in cartilage. Studies suggest that taking daily doses helps relieve pain by slowing the deterioration of joints and perhaps repairing damaged joints. Consult your doctor before taking new medication.

Availability
You may be able to find a GP who will prescribe it, but it is an inexpensive treatment available in all pharmacies and health-food shops. Also available extensively online.

How much does it cost?
A year's supply costs £15-£20.

Does it work?
Conclusive results on the efficacy of glucosamine as an inhibitor to deteriorating joints are yet to be found. It remains a complementary therapy rather than a widely prescribed medicine. A study in the American Journal of Medicine showed it performed no better than a placebo.

Magnetic bracelets

Description
Manufacturers claim all sorts of things about the "science" behind relief from magnetic bracelets. Claims include unspecific promises of "changes in energy" or "increased bloodflow". In fact, none of the claims have yet been verified in laboratory conditions, let alone been shown to help arthritis.

Availability
Bioflow magnets, the brand used in recent clinical trials, can be bought from www.ecomagnets.com. Other brands include Magna (http://magna-health.com) and Magnetic Therapy (www.magnetictherapy.co.uk).

How much does it cost?
From £30-£50, depending on the brand.

Does it work?
Studies published in the December 2004 edition of the British Medical Journal have shown that patients wearing highly magnetic bracelets have found significant pain relief. However, the sample group was small and the bracelets were used in conjunction with other medication.

Joint replacement

Description
This is the most severe treatment for arthritis and only used as a last resort if pain is unbearable. That said, it is still very common - around 60,000 joint replacements are performed in Britain each year. More effective and long-lasting designs are constantly being worked on.

Availability
Available on the NHS but expect a long wait (six to 12 months).

How much does it cost?
Nothing on the NHS. If you choose to go private, you will pay around £10,000 but the waiting time will usually be one to three months.

Does it work?
Replacing a joint, even with the wonders of modern medical science, still means forgoing a certain amount of mobility. However, while it is a drastic resort, it is also one that has proven to be effective in long-term pain relief.

· Words: Phil Maynard, in consultation with Jane Tadman from the Arthritis Research Campaign

 

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