When a bone meets another bone, such as in a joint, friction and rubbing can wear away the cartilage that acts as a cushion to prevent the bones grating against each other. When the cartilage is worn away the bones start wearing away each other, causing pain, swelling and further joint damage. This often causes the affected joints to become enlarged or swollen, hot and inflamed.
This is the type of arthritis that occurs as you age and typically feels like aches and pains and creaking bones. This is called osteoarthritis. Most people over the age of 70 suffer from osteoarthritis to some degree. This depends on the wear and tear on their bones from their work, lifestyle or sporting activities.
Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the joints and Psoriatic Arthritis affects the skin and the joints.
Shop arthritis treatmentMost people take painkillers called anti-inflammatories which help to relieve the swelling and pain caused by arthritis. Many are available over the counter, as well as on prescription from your doctor, but need to be taken regularly to have an effect.
Anti-inflammatory medications do not cure the condition or prevent it developing, but can help to prevent the joints becoming more damaged and painful.
Creams and ointments containing capsaicin can be applied to relieve the pain and swelling of osteoarthritis affected joints. Capsaicin is the substance found in capsicum, or bell peppers, and is reported to have a direct effect on joint swelling. It has also been reported to soothe pain by heating the joint.
Shop arthritis treatmentMany people take a combination of supplements to help treat and prevent the pain and joint damage caused by osteoarthritis. Benefits and use is still not clinically proven in all cases, but many patients say they feel symptoms are reduced when they regularly take supplements.
Fish oils that contain omega-3 fatty acids have been reported to be helpful in reducing inflammation in inflamed joints, decreasing the need for pain relieving medicines. You can increase your omega-3 fatty acid intake through your diet or by taking supplements. Button: Shop arthritis supplements
Shop arthritis treatmentGlucosamine is a naturally occurring substance found in some shellfish. Clinical trials have shown that glucosamine is helpful in regenerating cartilage in knee joints if taken in the right dose for a sustained period of time. If after three months of 1500mg per day there has been no improvement then it is unlikely to improve joint function, and should be discontinued. Since glucosamine is derived from shellfish it is not recommended for anyone with seafood allergies.
Chondroitin and glucosamine are often combined together in supplements for joint conditions. Chondroitin is poorly absorbed compared to glucosamine and the evidence for this supplement is not yet as clear as the evidence for glucosamine, but reports of the combination being helpful are often referenced.
Explore arthritis supplementsThere are many supplements available that can help reduce the symptoms of arthritis and joint pain. Our community pharmacists can help recommend the supplements that you could try to see if your pain and inflammation can be relieved.
Always seek advice before starting on any dietary supplement, and ensure that you continue to take any medications that your doctor has prescribed. If you have doubts and concerns about arthritis, talk to our pharmacy team.
Contact our pharmacyLife Pharmacy Orewa
Panadol Extra Caplets 40 is a medication used to relieve pain and reduce fever. Each caplet contains 500mg of paracetamol and 65mg of caffeine. Paracetamol is a painkiller and fever reducer, while ...
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Bioceuticals Theracumin Bioactive 30Mg 60 Tablets
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Theracurmin BioActive 30mg is a highly bioavailable form of curcumin. One capsule provides the bioequivalence of 810mg of common, unformulated curcumin. Curcumin has demonstrated antioxidant proper...
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Life Pharmacy Orewa
Panadol Rapid Soluble effervescent tablets are lemon flavoured and absorbed twice as fast as regular Panadol tablets. Panadol Rapid Soluble is used for the fast, effective temporary relief of pain ...
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Panadol Extra + Optizorb 20 Caps
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Panadol Extra with Optizorb is a pain reliever that contains a combination of paracetamol and caffeine. It is commonly used to provide relief from headaches, migraines, backaches, toothaches, menst...
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Deep Heat Menthol Back Patches 2
Life Pharmacy Orewa
Deep Heat Back Patches provide up to 16 hours* of targeted, sustained, long lasting and soothing temporary pain relief of Back Pain, Muscular Aches and Pain, Joint Stiffness, Strains and Sprains. C...
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Life Pharmacy Orewa
Panadol Mini Caps (for pain relief) are an easy to swallow, pain relief option from Australia's Most Trusted Pain Relief Brand.* The small capsule-shaped tablets have a smooth gelatine coating for ...
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Panadol Rapid Caplets For Pain Relief, Paracetamol 500 Mg, 40
Life Pharmacy Orewa
When you want fast pain relief, choose Panadol Rapid Caplets. Panadol Rapid Caplets for pain relief contain sodium bicarbonate, enabling it to be absorbed twice as fast as regular Panadol tablets -...
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Life Pharmacy Orewa
Deep Heat Patches provide targeted, sustained, long lasting and soothing temporary pain relief of Muscular Aches and Pain, Joint Stiffness, Strains and Sprains. Great for smaller areas such as shou...
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