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Pharmacy Care provides information about self-care, that is how to treat minor medical conditions with products available at the pharmacy. Find out how your pharmacist can help you to manage minor conditions yourself.
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Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, with the average age of onset at 45 years. Almost half of those aged over 60 years, and almost everyone over 80, will develop osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis develops gradually from the breakdown of parts of your joints. In a healthy joint, a firm rubbery material called cartilage covers the end of each bone. This allows your joints to move smoothly and easily. In osteoarthritis the cartilage becomes damaged and starts to wear away. This makes your joints painful and stiff.
Weight-bearing joints such as your knees, hips, feet and spine are most commonly affected by osteoarthritis, but it also affects hands.
Osteoarthritis is more common in women (especially after menopause) than in men. It is more likely to develop in people who are overweight for long periods, since this puts more stress on the weight-bearing joints.
Osteoarthritis was previously thought to be a result of normal wear and tear. However, it is now known that other factors are involved. These include damage to a joint earlier in life, repetitive joint use, sports such as weight lifting or a family history of osteoarthritis.
Many people are not seriously affected by osteoarthritis, but it can
lead to severe pain and significant disability for some. For example,
it may be difficult to climb stairs or get in and out of a car with a
severely affected knee joint.
Osteoarthritis may come and go, with periods when there is very little
or no pain. Some people have particular times when their pain is worse,
such as in damp weather.
Symptoms
pain that usually gets worse when you move, and feels better if your joint is rested. This is one of the first symptoms, but as the disease gets worse, the pain may occur at rest
stiffness when your joint is not moved for long periods, such as overnight; this usually lasts less than thirty minutes
swelling when your joint is irritated and produces extra fluid
a popping or creaking noise (‘crepitus’) may be heard if your knees are affected
bony growths (‘nodes’) and can be seen on your hands
See Your Pharmacist or Medical Professional
It is best to see your doctor if you think you have osteoarthritis; this will help you manage it as well as possible and minimise long-term effects.
Also see a healthcare professional if:
your pain is severe or interferes with movement
you have had a recent accident, such as a fall
your joint is red and swollen or there is a burning pain
you feel generally unwell, as well as having joint pain
the pain began very suddenly
the pain gets worse or continues after 2 or 3 days, despite taking pain medicine
Treatment Tips
try to keep to a healthy bodyweight
gentle exercise or physiotherapy can help prevent the disease from worsening and can help with pain. Low impact exercises such as swimming may be easier to achieve than high impact running
heat or ice packs can work well, with a towel wrapped around them to avoid burns or frostbite; they should not be applied for longer than 20 minutes each time
a walking stick can help reduce stress on your hips or knees
supportive footwear can help protect your joints; ask an orthotics expert for advice
special aids to help with everyday life, such as opening jars, turning on taps, putting on stockings and picking up objects are available from some pharmacies and Independent Living Centres Australia
Treatment Options
Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, but there are medicines and treatments that can help you manage pain and other symptoms.
In the long term, hip or knee joint replacement surgery may be necessary when you have severe pain or your mobility is very restricted.
Oral pain relief medicines (analgesics)
[GENERAL SALE]
e.g. paracetamol, packets of 24 or fewer (Panadol range)
[PHARMACY ONLY]
e.g. paracetamol, larger pack sizes (Panadol Osteo)
paracetamol is the first-line treatment for mild to moderate osteoarthritis, and is as effective as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
paracetamol is a safe option for most people but it is important not to take more than the recommended dose (4 g/day)
paracetamol is an ingredient in many cold and flu remedies, so be careful not to double dose
the maximum daily dose for an adult is 4 g (4000 mg), with no more than 1 g every 4 hours
many people find taking paracetamol regularly works better than waiting until the pain is bad and taking occasional doses
Oral NSAIDs
[GENERAL SALE]
e.g. ibuprofen, packets of 24 or fewer (Advil Tablets, Advil Liquid Caps, Nurofen range, Panafen IB, Tri-Profen)
[PHARMACIST ONLY]
e.g. diclofenac (Voltaren Rapid 25)
[PRESCRIPTION ONLY]
e.g. diclofenac (Voltaren), celecoxib (Celebrex), ibuprofen (Brufen)
NSAIDs can provide good pain relief in osteoarthritis but they are not suitable for everyone. Check with your pharmacist before taking NSAIDs if you:
have a history of stomach problems, such as ulcers or indigestion
have asthma; some people with asthma find their condition is made worse by these medicines
have kidney problems or a heart condition
take other medicines
have an allergy to aspirin or NSAIDs
are pregnant or breastfeeding
are elderly; you may be at more risk of side effects
are dehydrated
Sometimes NSAIDs can cause side effects. It is important to take these products with a glass of water and food to minimise heartburn. If you develop indigestion, or unusual or increased bleeding or bruising, stop taking them and talk to your pharmacist.
Aspirin is not usually recommended for osteoarthritis because the dose required often leads to unacceptable side effects.
NSAID gels rubbed gently into your joints may be helpful for some people
gel medication can be absorbed into your bloodstream so it is important to check if NSAIDs are suitable for you (see warnings above under Oral NSAIDs).
treatment beyond 2 weeks is not recommended unless advised by a medical professional
do not apply to open wounds, lips or near eyes, and wash hands after use
rubbing these products onto your skin can help stimulate blood flow and create warmth, which can relieve pain and stiffness
do not apply heat rubs to open wounds, eyes, mouth or nose
heat rubs may irritate the skin; stop using them if this happens
massage heat rubs in for better effect, except with Finalgon
Finalgon is much stronger; if extreme stinging occurs, remove excess product with cooking oil or margarine, not water. Test the product on the skin first to identify any reactions
Capsaicin
[GENERAL SALE]
e.g. Zostrix
it may take up to 4 weeks for pain relief to be noticed
burning or tingling may occur briefly when this product is applied to your skin
Dietary supplements
[GENERAL SALE]
e.g. glucosamine, chondroitin
some clinical studies of glucosamine indicate that it may help relieve pain and preserve cartilage in certain groups of people; ask your pharmacist for more information
clinical studies have not demonstrated effectiveness for chondroitin, though it is relatively safe to use
it may take up to 4 weeks for effects to be noticed
if you have diabetes, ask your doctor before starting glucosamine; it may affect your blood glucose levels
glucosamine should be avoided by people with shellfish allergies
people taking warfarin should speak to their pharmacist or doctor before using these products
More Information
For more information see the link at Related Health Information below.
Availability of medicines
GENERAL SALE available through pharmacies and possibly other retail outlets.
PHARMACY ONLY available for sale through pharmacies only.
PHARMACIST ONLY may only be sold by a pharmacist.
PRESCRIPTION ONLY available only with a prescription from your doctor or other health professional.
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