Arthritis & Joint Pain

20 Mar 2008 NINE million people in Britain seek help from their doctor each year for some form of joint pain. Here we examine how these conditions affect the body and the latest research into the natural supplements that may be able to help.

ONCE most commonly known as rheumatism, aches and pains in the joints are today more likely to be referred to by the part of the body they affect – such as knee pain or lower back pain - or as musculoskeletal conditions or ‘the rheumatic diseases’.

CLASSIFICATIONS OF RHUEMATIC CONDITIONS
In fact there are around 200 different types of rheumatic diseases and these fall into four main groups:

•	Inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout and ankylosing spondylitis. In these conditions the joint lining becomes inflamed which can damage the surface of the joint and the underlying bone itself.
•	Osteoarthritis. In this condition cartilage – the material between bone ends that allows smooth movement - becomes thinner and damaged and extra bone forms at the edges of the joint. The hips, knees and hands are most commonly affected.
•	Regional musculoskeletal pain, such as tennis elbow or fibromyalgia
•	Back pain

These conditions affect people of both sexes and of many different age groups and most occur for a variety of reasons including genetic make-up and external factors such as a previous injury or a physically demanding profession.

SYMPTOMS
Signs that you may have some form of rheumatic disease include:

•	Persistent pain and stiffness in or around joints with no obvious cause
•	Swollen joints
•	Fatigue
•	Weight loss
•	Mild fevers or night sweats
•	Skin rashes

TREATMENT
There is no single cure for most rheumatic diseases, but there is much that can be done to relieve the symptoms of arthritis and other musculoskeletal pain. Visit your GP for an initial diagnosis and for advice relating to your particular condition.

Anti-inflammatory or pain relief drugs are often prescribed, although these can have some side-effects, and surgery can be an option in severe cases.

There is also an increasing amount of research to suggest that some natural supplements may be able to play a part in relieving these conditions. Click on the link below for our second article on this subject which includes the latest research into the supplements that may be able to help.

LINK: Natural Supplements for Joint Health (available from 2nd April 2008)

FREE NUTRITION ADVICE
Call the Just Vitamins FREE Nutrition Advice line on 024 7669 5115 if you would like further advice. Our advisors are available Monday - Thursday, 9am - 4pm.