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PLANNING FOR LATER LIFE 107
arthritis ACTION ON
With more than 10 million of us here in the UK suffering from arthritis, we offer tips on easing the pain, plus innovative care company expands, and are you missing out on help with winter fuel bills?
P
ain can be diffi cult and depressing to live with. One of the most common causes of pain in elderly people is arthritis, a blanket term for 200
conditions affecting the joints and bones. There is no cure and treatment usually involves a mix of drugs, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and even surgery. If this is unsuccessful a circle of pain, anxiety and depression can follow, with the person often becoming unfi t and overweight, afraid to exercise in case it damages their joints. In most cases it will not, unless the joints are infl amed and gentle physical exercise is generally benefi cial.
Although it is often associated with
the elderly, there are, in fact, more than 10 million arthritis sufferers in the UK and it can affect all of us, no matter how young and fi t. So here are some tips on managing the condition.
Although arthritis, and especially
osteoarthritis, is more common in the elderly, it is by no means restricted to this age group alone. In fact fi gures from the NHS have shown more than 15,000 children and young people are affected by the condition in the UK.
Antioxidants are key
A lot of joint pain and stiffness is caused by infl ammation around the joint tissue, so it is important to include plenty of antioxidants in your diet that can help to fl ush out any nasty toxins from your system. “Eat plenty of cherries, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries and beetroot, as well as carrots, sweet potatoes and tomatoes,” says Dr Marilyn Glenville, the UK’s leading nutritionist (
www.marilynglenville.com), author of The Natural Health Bible for Women, who has a clinic in Tunbridge Wells. “You can also try taking a cucurmin supplement such as Nature’s Plus Source
of Life Garden Cucurmin (£31.75, www.
naturesplus.co.uk), which contains the anti- infl ammatory properties found in turmeric, and helps combat against infl ammation,” adds nutritionist Cassandra Barns.
Don’t stop exercising
Regular exercise, especially during the winter when your joints can seize up in the cold weather, is really important. Exercise can help keep your joints supple and may even help to reduce some of the pain. Try aerobic exercises such as Pilates, swimming or cycling. Swimming can be especially effective as the buoyancy of the water can help support the joints as you exercise. Walking is also a great option.
If you need a little extra help, try taking a supplement such as glucosamine, which helps to support joint health and improve mobility. However, if you are in considerable pain after exercising it may be worth making an appointment with your GP.
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