The Arthritis Consultant
Philip Conaghan (right) is a consultant rheumatologist, professor of musculoskeletal medicine at the University of Leeds, and spokesman for Arthritis Research UK.
He says: ‘Osteoarthritis is typified by damage to cartilage - the strong, smooth surface that lines the bones and allows joints to move easily – the bone underlying the cartilage, and varying degrees of inflammation of the tissue lining the joint.
‘It mostly occurs in the knees, hips and small joints of the hands.
'The pain affects mood and mobility, leaving sufferers feeling very limited in what they can do.
'But we need to get rid of the belief that it’s an inevitable part of getting older because, in fact, there’s much that can be done to alleviate symptoms.’
TRY: Voltarol Emulgel, £12.99 for 100g, www.boots.com (pictured below left)
HOW IT WORKS: Anti-inflammatories don’t just come in tablet form, they can also be applied topically - to the skin - in a cream, gel, or spray. They contain the active ingredient diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This medicine blocks the production of chemicals called prostaglandins, made in the body in response to injury, causing pain and swelling. When topical NSAIDs are applied to the skin they are absorbed into the tissues, reducing discomfort and inflammation in that area.
DOWNSIDES: Needs to be applied regularly throughout the day which can be a nuisance if you’re wearing tights or trousers and need to apply it to your knees.
