National Arthritis day

31-03-2006 15:53

When joint pain hits, it can sometimes be a debilitating and crippling condition to deal with. And if you have been diagnosed with arthritis, chances are you have had to alter your lifestyle in order to be able to cope.

Mrs Jane Maw, aged 53 of Hampshire is someone who can relate to this situation when she was diagnosed with arthritis 5 years ago.

Up until recently Jane was using conventional arthritis medicine, but was put off by negative press and dangers associated with prescription medication. In an effort to manage her condition, she turned to complementary medicine to ease the pain.

Jane did some research on the internet and found out about Lubramine. She was attracted to the product because it was natural and was backed by clinical trails.

“Ever since I have been using Lubramine, I’ve noticed a significant reduction in the pain in my joints, allowing me the freedom to move and get around. Sometimes the pain was so bad, I found it difficult to use my hands to lift things,” she said.

Lubramine containing Celadrin, is an all natural blend of fatty acids that has been clinically proven to reduce pain and rapidly promote joint health and improved mobility without side-effects.

Leading consultant and rheumatologist Dr Taher Mahmud is an advocate for active patient involvement in their care in partnership with health professionals. Depending on the type arthritis [some 200 different kinds], there are many different types of treatments available.

“Contrary to popular opinion, osteoarthritis (OA) can be prevented by joint protection techniques. Its progression can be slowed dramatically in the same way, if the proper medications and instruction are used concurrently. The conventional and complementary medications can be used in combination with physical therapy and joint protection techniques to control symptoms and restore function,” said Dr Mahmud.

“If you have osteoarthritis, you are likely to require some combination of exercises, analgesics and anti-inflammatories and nutritional supplements such as Glucosamine and Celadrin,” he said.

There is some study work supporting the role of Celadrin in OA. Celadrin is esterfied fatty acids that work by directly targeting the problem area in a rapid way. Celadrin is known to be quickly absorbed by the body and works by penetrating the affected area, giving immediate pain relief to joints, muscles and tissues.

Dr Mahmud urges all arthritis sufferers to not to accept that "nothing can be done." The best thing to do is to have a definite diagnosis by your GP, exercise, use analgesics, anti-inflammatories, topical treatments and local injections; manage weight control and nutrition and use supplements to fully control symptoms and restore function.

Tips on how to help manage rheumatic pain when it hits

• Keep an open mind with complementary medicine and look at ways of altering your lifestyle to minimize the pain
• Do regular exercise such as water aerobics, as it’s low impact and gentle on the joints
• Dig deep! Gardening has numerous health giving benefits for the mind and body. Did you know that digging in the dirt is therapeutic and gentle on your hands? You will also reap the rewards and fruits of your labour. If in doubt seek the advice of you GP before you exercise.
• Use a cold pack to alleviate hot and inflamed joints. If you don’t have one handy, use a packet of frozen peas from the freezer
• Get your work station ergonomically checked by a health officer to ensure you are not placing unnecessary stress on your body
• Protect your joints by avoiding excess stress on your joints by heavy lifting. Use assistive devices, or even better, don’t be afraid to ask for help!
• Tell people about your arthritic condition, don’t be embarrassed. You can make the people around you better understand what you are going through, and lend a sympathetic ear
• Don’t be a fashion victim. Always choose shoes or trainers that have adequate cushioning and support to last throughout the day and even into the night. Actually small heal is good!
• Stretch regularly to ensure that you are flexing your muscles and joints