Preventing/slowing the onset of arthritis

[Guest Posts]

I've just had a knee arthroscopy and the consultant has said that I'm showing signs of the pre-cursors to arthritis. Are there any supplements I should be taking to help prevent or slow the onset? Claire

[Institute of Osteopathy]

There is not much good evidence that supports the use of supplements for arthritis.
However, it should be noted that in many cases, there is no good link between findings of arthritis on x-ray, MRI and arthroscopy and the degree of symptoms someone feels. For example a person with an x-ray that shows quite a lot of changes may feel very little or no pain. Conversely, someone who is experiencing a lot of pain may have very few changes on a scan. Arthritis is not simply a case of wear and tear that happens as a result of aging – it’s a little more complicated than that and there is a lot you can do to ease your symptoms and protect your joints for the future.

Research shows that becoming more physically active is extremely beneficial for those with arthritis. Strengthening the muscles in the front of the upper leg (the Quadriceps) has been proven to reduce the pain of knee arthritis in many people. Simple stretching exercises can help to improve the flexibility of the joints. For people with knee pain specifically, there is an exercises programme called ‘ESCAPE-Pain’ (http://www.escape-pain.org/) that has 12 years’ worth of high quality research supporting it. This programme has been proven to reduce pain, improve your ability to perform daily activities and help with some of the psychological symptoms of arthritis such as low mood. It also includes self-management education sessions to enable you to understand your condition and take control. You can even download a free App from the App store to allow you to try it out at home. I highly recommend it.

Losing a little weight (if you are overweight) can also make a huge difference to knee pain and a healthy diet is important.

The charity Arthritis Action (http://www.arthritisaction.org.uk) provides a number of free factsheets on each of these subjects that you might want to try to start off with. If you feel you need more information, an osteopath may be able to advise you further or provide manual therapy to help ease your symptoms.

Matthew Rogers
Head of Professional Development | Registered Osteopath

[Tracy Corbett]

Exercise may be able to slow the progression, specifically working on hip and pelvic stability; and knee strength and mobility.

I would recommend an assessment by a physiotherapist/osteopath to determine any predisposing biomechanical problems, and design a suitable exercise programme for you.

[Arthritis Action]

Hi,

As Matthew and Tracy have suggested, exercise might prove to be key in helping you protect current function or prevent deterioration.

Gentle exercise, mobility and stretching might help you manage your symptoms. Most Osteopaths and Physiotherapists will be able to advise you in this. It might be worth asking your GP to refer you.

We have some simple exercise sheets to view on our website which can give you a starting point.
If you are unsure about starting exercise ask your GP or other practitioner such as an Osteopath or Physiotherapist.

Best of luck

Arthritis Action

56 Buckingham Gate London SW1E 6AE
020 3781 7120 http://www.arthritisaction.org.uk