Physical activity is a better option for relieving the pain caused by osteoarthritis from painkillers such as paracetamol, says the health monitoring service. Moving millions of patients with the disease into an exercise program could save the NHS billions of pounds in cash by reducing the number of prescriptions for more powerful painkillers, according to the National Institutes of Health and Nursing (Nice). Starting exercise programs may make the pain worse for a while, but it should calm you down. More than 10 million people in the UK have arthritis. Osteoarthritis, which causes the joints to become stiff and painful, is the most common form of the disease, affecting 8.5 meters. Arthritis costs the NHS 10 10 billion a year, with 80 percent of patients being prescribed painkillers. Physical activity may be a better option for relieving pain than painkillers like paracetamol, says health monitoring service The guidelines provide recommendations for the use of drugs, such as the supply of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) but not paracetamol or potent opioids. Dr Paul Chrisp, from Nice, said: “This is because new evidence suggests that there was little or no benefit to people’s quality of life, pain or discomfort and especially in the case of strong opioids, there was evidence that they could cause damage. in the long run, including potential addiction “. In the guidance, doctors are called upon to diagnose osteoarthritis on their own without further investigation in people aged 45 and over who have activity-related joint pain. Patients should also not have morning joint stiffness or morning stiffness lasting no more than 30 minutes to be diagnosed this way. The draft guideline states that people can be offered individualized exercise programs, explaining that “regular and consistent exercise, even if it may initially cause discomfort, will be beneficial to their joints.” More than 10 million people in the UK have arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of the disease Long-term exercise also increases its benefits, the directive adds. When it comes to weight loss, people will be informed that “any amount of weight loss is likely to be beneficial, but losing 10 percent of their body weight is likely to be better than 5 percent.” People can also be referred for hip or knee replacement if their condition can not be treated in other ways and referrals should not be suspended due to age, gender or obesity. Dr Chrisp added: “Osteoarthritis can make people uncomfortable and prevent them from engaging in some of their normal daily activities. “However, there is evidence that muscle strengthening and aerobic exercise can have an impact not only on managing the condition, but also on providing people with an improved quality of life. “Starting this journey may be uncomfortable for some people at first and they should be supported and given enough information to help them manage their situation for a long time. “While topical and sometimes oral NSAIDs remain an important treatment option for osteoarthritis, we have decided not to recommend certain painkillers, such as paracetamol and some opioids for osteoarthritis.” Tracey Loftis, head of policy and public relations at the Versus Arthritis Charitable Foundation, said: “Something like exercise can improve a person’s mobility, help manage their pain and reduce feelings of isolation. “But our research on support given to people with osteoarthritis has shown that too many are not regularly monitored by health professionals and even fewer have had access to physical activity support. “The lack of alternatives means that, in many cases, people are stuck with painkillers that do not help them live a life without pain. “While we welcome the draft Nice Guidelines, health professionals need further resources and support to better understand their role in promoting treatment such as physical activity for people with osteoarthritis. “There is a clear need to give more voice to people with arthritis so that their health needs are not ignored.”
WHAT IS RHEUMATIC ARTHRITIS? THE MOST LONG-TERM DISEASE THAT IS UNBREAKABLE
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects around 400,000 people in the UK
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects approximately 400,000 people in the United Kingdom and nearly 1.3 million adults in the United States.
Women are up to three times more likely to develop the condition than men. People with a family history of rheumatoid arthritis are also more vulnerable.
It is a long-term disease in which the immune system causes the body to attack itself, causing painful, swollen and stiff joints.
RA, the second most common form of arthritis that often begins between the ages of 40 and 50, tends to affect the hands, wrists and knees.
Scientists are not currently sure of the exact cause of RA, but smoking, eating a lot of red meat and those who drink coffee are at higher risk.
No cure has been found yet, but treatments are available and have been shown to help slow the progression.
RA is a complex autoimmune condition that is diagnosed and treated by a Rheumatologist Consultant in secondary care and the patient is monitored on a regular basis by an interdisciplinary team led by a hospital counselor.
