September 2022 – Arthritis: A Term for Many Disorders
Arthritis is a general term for several chronic and painful joint disorders. It affects people in different ways, depending on the type. The two most common forms are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects about 1% of the population. People of any age can get it, but the condition most often strikes around the age of 40 to 50, affecting women 3 times as often as men. Rheumatoid arthritis is considered to be an autoimmune disorder because the body attacks its own joints, starting with the tissues that line and cushion them. This causes inflammation and, eventually, tissue damage and scarring as the cartilage, bone, and ligaments slowly erode.
This type of arthritis usually starts in the small joints of the hands and feet, then moves into other joints like the elbow, knees, shoulders, or hips. As the joints become inflamed, scar-like tissue forms, resulting in joint stiffness. As arthritis progresses, joints, especially those of the fingers and toes, may become bent and distorted.
Some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:
- fatigue
- joint pain
- joint swelling, usually affecting the same areas on both sides of the body
- low-grade fever
- morning joint stiffness lasting at least one hour
- round, painless nodules (bumps) under the skin
- weight loss
Osteoarthritis is what usually comes to mind when we hear “arthritis,” as it’s the most common form. It has been called degenerative arthritis because it was thought to be the result of years of wear and tear, excess weight, or prior injuries to the joint. However, there is also an imbalance of cartilage breakdown and repair, resulting in joint pain. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, in which swelling occurs and scar tissue forms, osteoarthritis affects the cartilage (the cushioning that acts as shock absorbers in the joint), resulting in pain as the bones rub against each other.
In the past, it was believed that an average amount of exercise could cause osteoarthritis. New research has shown that normal amounts of exercise are good for your joints. Talk to your doctor about how much exercise you should be getting and which types are best for you.
Osteoarthritis generally appears in both men and women. Before the age of 45 it is more common in men but after age 45, more women than men develop it. The risk of developing osteoarthritis increases as you age.
Osteoarthritis generally affects the hands, knees, hips, and feet. It may show up in the spine as well.
Some of the symptoms of osteoarthritis include:
- bumps or swelling of the fingers
- deep joint pain
- grating or cracking sounds from joint movement
- joint stiffness lasting less than 30 minutes, especially after resting or in the morning
Other, less common types of arthritis include:
- psoriatic arthritis, which affects people who have psoriasis
- gout, which generally occurs in men, resulting from a build-up of uric acid around certain joints, particularly the big toe
Ask Your Pharmacist
Question: My Osteoarthritis (OA) bothers me in the fall, and I find I’m being less active because it’s just too painful to go for a bike ride or a walk now that it’s colder. What can I do to reduce my pain and to stay active during the colder months?
Answer: It’s important to stay active when you have arthritis – if done safely, staying active will help your joints keep their range of motion, improve your stamina and muscle strength, and help to reduce pain and stiffness. But cold weather can mean less blood flow to the joints, which can make them stiffer and more painful. Here are some tips to help you transition out of summer and into the cooler months:
- Bring your activity indoors – be active in a temperature-controlled environment. Swimming, low-impact indoor exercise classes, walking on a treadmill, or using an indoor exercise bike are some options.
- Keep your activity low-impact and lower the intensity or shorten the time if you need to. Even mild activity is better than no activity.
- Keep your joints warm
- Dress for the weather: dressing in layers can help to keep you warm in cold weather. Add a base layer that’s warm but moisture-wicking; middle layer for insulation; and outer layer that shields you from wind, rain or snow
- Consider purchasing soft braces for your achiest joints.
- Apply a gentle heat pad (not too hot!), or do your warm-up and stretching indoors before stepping outside.
- Know when to stop – if you’re unable to stay warm, head indoors. A shorter walk may have to do when it’s cold.
- You can also talk to your Pharmasave pharmacist treatment options for your pain.
By staying active, you’ll maintain your range of motion and your muscle tone, and improve circulation, which will help your joints stay healthier down the road. And the fitter you stay during the winter, the easier it will be to jump into your summer activities next year.
To get information about topical products and oral medications that can help with pain, and for help in choosing a soft brace or support, speak with your Pharmasave pharmacist.
Health Tip
Did you clean out your medicine cabinet over the summer and don’t know what to do with expired prescriptions or non-prescription medications as well as any medications you no longer need? It’s important to dispose of the medication safely to prevent accidents or unsafe access to them. For a safe, responsible and environmentally friendly solution, you can take your unused or expired medications to your local Pharmasave for disposal. If you are storing any medication or medical products at home, store them in a dry place away from heat and humidity such as the bedroom or a locked cabinet. This will also keep them safe and out of reach of children and pets.
