Arthritis Treatment

Arthritis refers to more than a 100 different types of conditions affecting joints and tissues surrounding them. It commonly presents as swelling, pain, stiffness and decreased motion range. It can be mild, moderate or severe, often getting worse with time.

Arthritis occurs and develops due to a combination of factors. There are two main types; Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. Once diagnosed, we at The Online Surgery can prescribe painkillers such as Paracetamol and Ibuprofen or Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Volatrol, to treat severe symptoms.

Arthritis > Anti-inflammatory

Arthrotec

Arthrotec tablets are used relieve the pain and swelling of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It contains two active ingredients; diclofenac, a type of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and misoprostol, which helps prevent the potential side ... read more

£35.17

Diclofenac Tablet

Diclofenac belongs to the group of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or the NSAIDs. The active ingredient diclofenac sodium is present in 25-50 mg in each tablet. This medication is used to treat inflammations, aches and pains of the bod... read more

£19.60

Indometacin Capsules

Indometacin belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is used to relieve pain and inflammation caused by acute gout, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, musculoskeletal disorders etc. It works by reducing pain,... read more

£17.57

Naproxen

Naproxen tablets relieve pain, inflammation and fever. It contains the active ingredient naproxen, which is a type of medicine called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, and can also be u... read more

£22.38

Arthritis > NSAIDs

Flexiseq Gel

Flexiseq is a gel which is clinically proven to relieve pain and improve stiffness equivalent to a prescription pain killer without taking oral medications. It is used to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis, lower stiffness and improve joint function, assist lu... read more

£34.46

Buy Ibuprofen Tablets

Ibuprofen belongs to a group of medicines called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The tablets contain ibuprofen as the chief active ingredient. NSAIDs helps reduce inflammation, relieve pain and lowers the temperature in case you are feeling fev... read more

£18.00

Meloxicam

Meloxicam is used to treat arthritis. It reduces pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints. It is a type of medicine called a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). NSAIDs are used to relieve pain and inflammation.

£17.10

Piroxicam Gel

Piroxicam is a gel, which is used to reduce pain, swelling, and joint stiffness from arthritis. This medication is known as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), which works by blocking your body's production of certain natural substances that cause i... read more

£25.60

Voltarol Tablets

Voltarol tablets belong to a group of medicines known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Such drugs help reduce pain and inflammation in different parts of the body.Voltarol is available in two dosage forms, 25 mg and 50 mg. The chief active... read more

£22.64

Arthritis > Pain-killers

Paracetamol

Paracetamol tablets belong to a group of medicines called Analgesics and Antipyretics. Drugs belonging to this group of medicines work as anti-inflammatory and pain relievers.The tablets are used to get relief from mild to moderate pain, backache, toothache, s... read more

£20.10

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis refers to more than a 100 different types of diseases and conditions affecting joints, tissues surrounding the joints and other connective tissues. It commonly presents as swelling, pain, stiffness and decreased motion range of joints. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, progressively getting worse with time.

Arthritis is most commonly experienced by adults over 65 years of age and women. It can have significant impacts on daily life, work and activities, sometimes also affecting the immune system and multiple organs. Arthritis can be inflammatory, degenerative, infectious or metabolic.

Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis are the most prevalent forms of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis
This is the most common form affecting almost eight million people and has a gradual onset after 40 years of age. It affects the smooth cartilage lining, making movement more difficult. It is a degenerative joint disease, involving the joint cartilage, lining and ligaments. The most affected areas are the knees, hips, hands and spine.

Rheumatoid arthritis
It affects more than 400,000 people, usually starting between 40 and 50 years of age. It is a long-term condition that occurs when the body’s immune system targets joints. Persistent inflammation leads to degeneration of the cartilage and bone, causing deformity, pain and swelling. It may cause premature mortality and disability. The most affected areas are hands, feet and wrists.

Symptoms for arthritis can develop gradually or suddenly, and varies with the type.

Commonly experienced symptoms include;

- Pain – can be constant or intermittent, might be isolated or felt in many parts
- Swelling – swelling of skin over the affected joint
- Stiffness
- Difficulty moving a joint 

Symptoms can also be specific to the type of arthritis developed.

Osteoarthritis
- Joint tenderness
- Pain and stiffness in joints, which is worse after exercise or pressure
- Enlarged, knobbly joint
- Rubbing, grating sound when joint is moved
- Pain causing sleep disturbance.

Rheumatoid arthritis
- Affects joints on both sides of the body equally
- Chest pain when taking a breath
- Dry eyes
- Numbness, tingling or burning sensation in hands or feet
- High temperature
- Weight loss

There is no single cause for arthritis, it varies according to the type.

Normally, joints are exposed to a constant level of wear and tear, and manage to repair itself, however for people suffering from arthritis, it gets worse with time, resulting in associated symptoms. Causes for this include;

- Injuries
- Abnormal metabolism
- Genetics
- Infections
- Immune system dysfunction

It could be a single cause or a combination of factors responsible for the development of arthritis.

There are certain risk factors associated with the condition;

- Age – it is more prevalent in older people
- Sex – more common in females
- Genes – higher risk if a close relative suffers from the condition
- Obesity – contributes to the onset and progression of arthritis
- Joint injuries – can cause damage to the joints and develop arthritis
- Infection – can infect joints and trigger the development of arthritis
- Occupation – work that involves repetitive knee bending, squatting etc. are associated with osteoarthritis.

Your GP will be able to diagnose arthritis and its specific type based on your medical history, and symptoms experienced.

Certain tests may be ordered to diagnose the type of arthritis suspected.

Blood tests
Blood tests cannot definitively diagnose arthritis, but tests such as Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) and C-Reactive Protein to assess inflammation, a Complete Blood Count (CBC) to rule out anaemia, Rheumatoid factor (RF) and Anti-CCP antibody to specifically diagnose rheumatoid arthritis, can be suggested.

Radiographic tests
X-rays, ultrasound scans and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans can produce detailed images of your joints.

Physical exam
To examine joint movement and if it causes crackling sounds, assess joint swelling, and the range of motion.

There is no cure for arthritis, but treatment can help reduce inflammation in the joints, relieve pain, prevent or slow down joint damage and reduce the chances for disability. It is most effective to begin treatment as early as possible.

We can prescribe medication to relieve your pain and stop further damage to your joints.

Painkillers
Prescribed depending on the severity of your pain and other conditions.
These include Paracetamol and Ibuprofen. Can be had to relieve pain or as a preventative measure before the onset of severe pain.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
These are painkillers that work by reducing inflammation. Can be prescribed if painkillers or Paracetamol are ineffective. This includes Volatrol.

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Dr. Helen Webberley

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