Women ’s Hea lth Feeling it in Your Bones Arthritis in Women There’s not much that will stop a woman from fulfilling her daily tasks, but arthritis will certainly slow her down. Arthritis affects the lives of around 3.85 million, or one in six, Australians and costs nearly $24 billion in medical care and loss of earnings each year. Moreover, these figures are growing as our population ages, with experts predicting that by 2050, seven million Australians will suffer from some form of arthritis. Are you a woman living with arthritis? Or is your wife, mother or sister suffering? Learn more about the condition to understand how it impacts the daily lives of the ladies we love. What is Arthritis? Although often referred to as a single health problem, arthritis is the umbrella term for over 100 musculoskeletal medical conditions. It takes place in the joints, and is the major cause of disability and chronic pain in Australia. Despite what many think, arthritis is not a natural part of ageing and can affect people of all ages. According to Arthritis Australia, 2.4 million patients in Australia are of working age. The general symptoms of arthritis-related conditions are: • Pain in the joints • Stiffness • Inflammation • Damage to cartilage • Weakness and instability • Deformities The experience of arthritis is more intense and prolonged than a stiff neck or sore shoulder. These symptoms hinder a woman’s ability to perform everyday tasks, such as driving, walking, cooking and writing. The main types of arthritis – osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout – make up 95% of patients in Australia, but there are many other equally debilitating forms. There is no cure for arthritis yet; it can only be managed through medication and lifestyle habits and choices. Main Types of Arthritis Os teoarthritis Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form, affects the entire joint, including the bone, ligaments and muscles. As well as inflammation and deteriorated ligaments and cartilage, bony spurs may develop around the edge of a joint. OA develops slowly over months or sometimes years, more commonly among people aged over 40. Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack its own tissues. While it begins with painful swelling and stiffness, RA is a systemic condition and gradually affects other organs such as the heart, respiratory system and digestive system. The second most common form of arthritis, RA is more common in women aged over 55, who are 1.6 times more likely to develop RA than men. It is also associated with a family history of the disease. Gout Gout is caused by small crystals that form in and around the joint, creating inflammation, pain and swelling. These crystals are made from uric acid that hasn’t been expelled from the body through the kidneys and urine. Gout occurs among all ages, however, it is rare among pre-menopausal women, and should be investigated promptly in this case. While the other common forms of arthritis develop gradually, gout can occur over night, hence why it is often referred to as an ‘attack’ of gout. The joint will quickly become inflamed and may be very sensitive to touch. Causes The type of arthritis that a woman develops is dictated by a range of individual health and environmental factors. However, most forms of the conditions are caused by: • Overweight or obesity, which places excess pressure on the muscles, bones and joints • Family history • High cholesterol, high blood pressure or glucose intolerance (Diabetes) • Previous injuries • Repetitive use of the joint (occurs among pianists and guitarists) • Jobs with heavy lifting, climbing and squatting • Kidney disease and taking diuretics, in the case of gout • The cause for RA remains uncertain, but it is more common among smokers and those with a family history of RA. Medical Treatment Analgesics Analgesics (painkillers) are prescribed by your doctor to help alleviate pain. Some types, such as paracetamol, have few side effects but can cause severe liver damage over long periods of usage. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice. NSAIDs Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce inflammation, swelling and stiffness and are most often administered for RA. Some types, such as ibuprofen, don’t require prescription. NSAIDs stop the body from producing inflammatory substances (prostaglandins). Corticosteroid Corticosteroids, similarly to NSAIDs, are used to treat inflammation, and are taken as a tablet or liquid, or are injected into the joint. DMARDs Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) cause ‘immunosuppression’, which slows the immune system from attacking the joints. These can relieve pain and minimise the risk of long-term damage. Surgery Surgery is generally undertaken when other treatments have not been effective. Surgery can improve joint movement, flexibility, alignment and alleviate pain associated with daily tasks and ultimately improve quality of life. Lifestyle Treatment Weight loss Weight loss reduces pressure on the joints, eases pain and inflammation, improves function of the bones, muscles and joints, as well as decreases the risk of other chronic diseases. Tai Chi Tai Chi for Arthritis was developed in 1997 by Dr Paul Lam and includes 12 movements especially designed for patients to improve strength, balance and posture and decrease stress. Diet Monosaturated and Omega-3 fats have been shown to reduce inflammation and RA disease activity and can be consumed through vegetable, avocados, nuts and oily fish, such as salmon and sardines. Fish oil supplements are also recommended. Water exercise ‘Hydrotherapy’ is gentle exercise undertaken in a warm pool, and is a comfortable and effective method for strengthening joints and recovering from surgery. Learn More To learn more about arthritis and its prevalence in women, visit www.arthritisaustralia.com.au and www.arthritis.org.au, or visit your local GP to discuss how to help prevent arthritis, or how you can help the lady you love regain control of her life. pm pindaramagazine.com.au Pindara Magazine 41
Pindara Private Hospital Magazine - Issue Five
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