Arthritis is inflammation of the joints, and affects more than half a million New Zealanders. It is the country’s single greatest cause of disability.

There are more than 140 types of arthritis that often cause pain and stiffness – usually of the knees, hips, spine or hands – and tiredness.

The most common is osteoarthritis, which occurs with age and was known as “wear and tear” arthritis. Previous injuries, a family history or being overweight are additional risk factors. It’s not a new condition – even dinosaur bones show signs of it.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a more inflammatory disease that can affect much younger people and children. It often targets the wrists, fingers and feet. The cause is unknown and there is no known cure.

Whatever the type, arthritis can make simple tasks such as climbing stairs or opening jars difficult as joints become stiffer and more painful. But while some find it incapacitating, others can have very few symptoms.

If you have symptoms such as joint pain, tenderness and stiffness (particularly after waking up), tiredness and difficulty doing daily tasks for more than two weeks, see your GP. A rheumatologist, a specialist in arthritis, can also help.

Depending on the type and severity, medicines such as paracetamol, aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, cortisone injections, and other gels and creams are often recommended. This lets you remain active. If the tablets cause indigestion, tell your doctor.

Exercise is crucial. Most people with arthritis can benefit from some joint-muscle strengthening or a low-impact exercise programme. Easy joint mobility exercises (to increase flexibility and muscle strength) and low-impact aerobics, dance, t’ai chi and cycling are all useful.

Swimming and pool-based exercise classes, in particular, can exercise joints with minimal stress. But ease off if your joints become painful, inflamed or red. Hot and cold packs can ease symptoms before and after exercise.

Exercise also helps you control your weight, which is essential with arthritis. Physiotherapists and some gyms provide specific programmes. Check with your GP if any exercises are off-limits.

Arthritis supplements and diets make many claims. Be wary. While individual stories can seem miraculous, many “benefits” are unproven.

The best studied supplements are fish oil, evening primrose oil, New Zealand green-lipped mussels and selenium – all are known to have mild anti-inflammatory properties but evidence indicates no dramatic changes for people with arthritis. They often need to be taken for several months to become effective and are often expensive.

Recent studies show capsaicin gel (chilli pepper extract) has promise for pain relief, as does glucosamine sulphate.

For support, exercise class and arthritis information visit www.arthritis.org.nz.

(Published in the Sunday News, 7 February 2010)

More everybody MYHEALTH columns from Barbara Docherty

Barbara Docherty is a registered nurse and clinical lecturer at the University of Auckland School of Nursing, and writer for the everybody.co.nz website. The opinions contained herein are those of the author and not necessarily those of the publisher or sponsor. Copyright UBM Medica (NZ) Ltd.