Arthritis

PASSAGE

ARTHRITIS - A Holistic Approach

Can Help

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Mosby's Medical and Nursing Dictionary

defines arthritis as any inflammatory

condition of the joints, characterized by

pain and swelling. The name derives from

the Greek word "arthron" which means

joint and "itis" which means inflammation.

In its various forms arthritis afflicts

millions throughout the world from

juveniles to the elderly.

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A 2003-2005 National Health Interview

Survey in the United States of America

reported 21.6% of adults have self

reported, doctor diagnosed arthritis. In

Australia it is estimated that by 2020 one

in every five Australians will have

arthritis. To date, despite the expenditure

of an enormous amount of money on

research and the considerable efforts of

scientists throughout the world, a cure for

arthritis has proved elusive.

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Medical treatments range from simple pain

relievers like Paracetamol, which eases

pain and if taken as recommended has few

side effects, to powerful non-steroidal

anti-inflammatory drugs and

corticosteroids. Such drugs can provide

effective relief from the pain, joint

stiffness and inflammation but do not

result in a permanent cure. Unlike

Paracetamol, these medications taken long

term can have serious side effects and they

must be regularly and carefully monitored.

There may also be contraindications

relating to other medical conditions, use

during pregnancy or lactation and adverse

reactions as a result of allergies.

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Surgical interventions such as hip and

other joint replacements are usually

performed to relieve severe pain and loss

of function where other non-surgical

treatments are unable to bring sufficient

relief. Such procedures can be highly

effective in enhancing mobility in the

majority of cases. The need for hip

replacement surgery is becoming

increasing common among the elderly as

longevity increases. For example the 2007

Spring Issue Joint News reports "over the

last ten years, hip replacement surgery has

increased in Australia by 94.1%”.

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Other non-pharmacological treatments

such as physiotherapy, acupuncture,

therapeutic massage and aqua aerobics can

help to relieve some symptoms. There are

also a number of nutritional supplements

that may relieve the inflammation, pain

and slow degeneration of effected joints.

Such supplements are advertised widely

and available from chemists, health food

outlets, and many supermarkets.

However even "natural" products can have

side effects or conflict with other

medication so always check first with your

doctor or pharmacist.

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In relation of dietary supplements, a

number of studies conclude that Fish Oils

containing omega-3 fatty acids can help

reduce inflammation associated with

osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Research published in a reputable medical

journal also suggests a glucosamine

dietary supplement can slow down the

deterioration of joints associated with

osteoarthritis. As a result selected

hospitals are conducting clinical research

trials to determine the validity of the

research.

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While there is no "miracle food" that cures

arthritis, general dietary advice

recommends a healthy balanced diet rich

in foods that contain calcium to reduce the

risk of osteoporosis. A wide range of

fresh fruit and vegetables, plenty of fluids,

preferably water and fresh fruit juices

rather than carbonated drinks are

recommended. The intake of alcohol

should preferably be kept to low level.

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Dieticians also advise arthritis sufferers to

eat fatty fish such as herring, tuna,

mackerel, salmon or sardines at least twice

a week. There is also anecdotal evidence

from people with arthritis that certain

foods impact negatively on their condition.

Keeping a food diary over a period of a

month or more could help individuals

identify any particular foods that appear to

regularly provoke their arthritic symptoms.

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It is universally acknowledged that

exercise programs which improve the

fitness of the heart and lungs, correct poor

posture, build muscular strength, increase

joint flexibility and improve balance are

beneficial to people of all ages and can

reduce the pain and stiffness associated

with arthritis. The ancient Chinese martial

art of Tai Chi, in an appropriately

modified style, is a form of exercise which

achieves all this and also enhances both

mental and physical relaxation.

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Dr Paul Lam, a family physician who lives

in Sydney Australia began to have signs of

arthritis after graduating from medical

school. He took up Tai Chi and found it

improved his arthritis and enabled him to

enjoy his chosen and busy lifestyle. He is

now a highly respected Tai Chi teacher

and practitioner and has created a number

of Tai Chi programs to improve people's

health and well being. Arthritis

Foundations and organisations in the

Britain, America and Australia, New

Zealand support his work. He has

travelled the world to train instructors in

the Tai Chi for Arthritis Program and

produced books, videos and DVDs.

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The Sun style Tai Chi movements are

fluid, gentle and slow and help reduce the

pain and stiffness associated with arthritic

conditions. The movements incorporate

breathing techniques and place an

emphasis on posture and on the

importance of weight transference which

is an essential component of good balance.

To ensure smoothness and harmony they

require a mental as well as a physical

commitment. People who practice these

movements regularly, either individually

in their homes or with a group in a park or

community hall, report many benefits.

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In many countries there are government

funded and other support organizations

whose purpose is not only to fund raise for

further medical research into a cure for

arthritis but also equally to provide

comprehensive advice and assistance for

people living with arthritis. This can

include running education programs and

seminars to provide the public with

reliable and well researched information

and also to providing aids to help in

everyday living. These aids range from

simple devices to assist in opening jars and

cans and to larger equipment to assist with

mobility.

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Ultimately, to live as full a life as possible

with an arthritic condition, you need to

gain a full understanding of your

condition. This can be achieved by

working with a medical care team who

shares their knowledge, is supportive and

recognizes the contributions you can

make. The best outcomes require a close

partnership between you, your doctor and

any health professionals or practitioners

involved in your treatment

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A degree of self management has proved

effective in managing arthritic conditions.

This can be achieved in a number of ways.

Keep up to date and enquire about the

latest research results. Learn about and

choose foods that will ensure you have a

healthy well balanced diet. Always take

medicines as directed and do not try any

new “natural” supplement or medication

without first consulting with your doctor

or pharmacist. Undertake an exercise

regime such as Tai Chi that is suitable to

you and that you can enjoy in the company

of others.

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Until such time as a cure for all forms of

arthritis becomes a reality, a holistic

approach to the control of arthritis

incorporating many of the treatments,

therapies and concepts outlined in this

article, will help you discover that living

with arthritis does not mean you cannot

have an enjoyable and fulfilling life.

QUESTIONS: Arthritis

a) More adults in Australia have arthritis than in the US b) More adults in the US have arthritis than in Australia c) Over 20 % of Australians have arthritis

d) 4 in every hundred people have arthritis

2. According to the article a cure for arthritis is: a) Much too expensive to justify

b) A major focus for Australian scientists c) Hard to find

d) Likely within 2 - 3 years

3. Which of the following statements is not reflected in the article? a) Paracetamol has few side effects

b) Some powerful drugs can provide a permanent cure

c) Pregnancy and lactation contraindicate the use of certain drugs

d) Powerful non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs can provide effective relief from pain, joint stiffness and inflammation.

4. Which of the following statements is correct?

a) In the US hip replacement surgery has increased by 94.1% in the last decade b) Such surgery is unsuitable for the elderly

c) Hip replacement surgery usually improves mobility

d) Hip replacement surgery is not expensive and is easily accessible

5. According to the article which one of the following statements is false? a) Glucosamine dietary supplement is clinically proven

b) Natural products can have side effects

c) A number of nutritional supplements may relieve the inflammation, pain and slow degeneration of effected joints.

d) Omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation

6. In paragraph 8 the expression anecdotal evidence can best be described as: a) A personal observation

b) Scientific investigation c) An old wives tale d) None of the above

7. Which of the following statements appear in the article relating to diet? a) Alcohol in moderation is beneficial

b) Carbonated drinks are recommended

c) Arthritis sufferers indicate that some foods adversely affect their condition

d) Fatty fish such as herring, tuna, mackerel and sword fish must be eaten twice weekly

8. In which paragraph can you find a description a style of Tai Chi which is useful for sufferers of arthritis?

a) Paragraph 9 b) Paragraph 10 c) Paragraph 11 d) Paragraph 12

9. Which of the following is correct from the article’s point of view?

a) The major purpose of Government funded and other support organisations is to raise money for further medical research

b) Seminars and education programs are run to provide the public with consistent and thoroughly researched information

c) Simple devices can assist in opening jars and can

d) For optimum results a close relationship between you and medical professionals is essential 10. The article makes the following suggestions

a) Self management is ineffective in managing arthritic conditions b) Having arthritis does not mean a fulfilling life is impossible c) There may be a cure for arthritis soon

Title Arthritis

Answer Sheet

a) Incorrect

b) Correct: …….in the United States of America reported 21.6% of adults have self reported, doctor diagnosed

arthritis. In Australia it is estimated that by 2020 one in every five Australians will have arthritis.

c) Incorrect d) Incorrect

Question 2 (para 2) a) Incorrect b) Incorrect

c) Correct: …..a cure for arthritis has proved elusive. Elusive is synonym for hard to find

d) Incorrect

Question 3 (para 3) a) Incorrect

b) Correct: …powerful non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids. Such drugs can provide effective

relief from the pain, joint stiffness and inflammation but do not result in a permanent cure. I

c) Incorrect d) Incorrect

Question 4: (para 4) a) Incorrect b) Incorrect

c) Correct: ….such procedures can be highly effective in enhancing mobility in the majority of cases

d) Incorrect

Question 5 (para 5/6)

a) Correct: False …not proven yet

b) Incorrect: TrueHowever even "natural" products can have side effects or conflict with other medication

c) Incorrect: TrueThere are also a number of nutritional supplements that may relieve the inflammation, pain and slow degeneration of effected joints.

d) Incorrect: TrueFish Oils containing omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Question 6 (para 8)

a) Correct: Key word: There is also anecdotal evidence from people with arthritis

b) Incorrect c) Incorrect d) Incorrect Question 7 (para 8) a) Incorrect b) Incorrect

c) Correct: There is also anecdotal evidence from people with arthritis that certain foods impact negatively on their

condition. d) Incorrect Question 8 a) Incorrect: b) Incorrect c) Correct d) Incorrect Question 9 (para 13) a) Incorrect b) Incorrect c) Incorrect

d) Correct: The best outcomes require a close partnership between you, your doctor and any health professionals or

practitioners involved in your treatment

Question 10 (para 15) a) Incorrect

b) Correct: living with arthritis does not mean you cannot have an enjoyable and fulfilling life.

c) Incorrect d) Incorrect