Osteoarthritis

Symptoms of osteoarthritis may be relieved by applying creams such as ibuprofen gel⁶ to the joint or by using Revitive as a drug-free alternative. Revitive ‘Medic Knee’ uses professional strength OxyWave Technology to stimulate leg muscles, is indicated to relieve pain, and strengthen thigh muscles and which support the knee and may allow greater movement.

In a surprise review, the well-respected Cochrane Library reported in 2019 that “paracetamol provides minimal, probably clinically unimportant benefits in the immediate and short-term for people with hip or knee osteoarthritis”. A full review into drug treatment of osteoarthritis is underway.

Once described as an age-related “wear and tear” condition of the knee cartilage, osteoarthritis is now more accurately described as “wear and inadequate repair”⁴, with injury to the joint triggering, among other things, inflammation and growth of bony spurs.

Knee osteoarthritis can in fact be up to six times more likely after injury, so take care to protect your joints.

Our knees experience twice our body weight when we walk, and more when we run or squat. Any weight gain then lies particularly heavy on our knees. Dr Juan Mora from the University of Florida explains that there is “around 10% risk reduction of knee osteoarthritis per kilogram of body weight decreased”⁵.

Exercise is essential for joints, with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence calling it a core treatment for osteoarthritis, alongside weight loss. Several high-impact sports, such as football, hockey and long-distance running, have been linked to an increased risk of knee damage; non-weight bearing exercise such as swimming or cycling may be more appropriate.

Many people report an unpredictable ‘inflammatory’ or ‘burning’ pain linked to the weather, as opposed to the ‘mechanical’ or ‘sharp’ pain that they associate with movement⁷. It’s possible that the weather does affect symptoms for some, perhaps through affecting how active you are.

Misunderstandings about arthritis abound. It’s important to know, for example, that “hurt does not equal harm” and that exercise is safe, and indeed recommended. Inactivity can weaken the knee joint, and increase obesity.

Frequent kneeling, heavy lifting or squatting in occupations such as building, plumbing and carpentry elevates the risk of osteoarthritis, through an accumulation of microtrauma in the knee. Employers must comply with Manual Handling Operations Regulations.

A healthy balanced diet is good for our hearts - and our joints. Keeping a healthy weight is more important than following a particular diet. As for food supplements, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence currently advises against glucosamine or chondroitin for the management of osteoarthritis¹.