Osteoarthritis sufferers urged to keep moving through the winter months - the best remedy for symptoms could be just a step away
Announcement posted by Novartis Consumer Health 13 May 2015
Healthcare professionals are urging people with osteoarthritis to do away with plans for hibernation this winter, after new research from Voltaren® has revealed more than two thirds (68 per cent) of sufferers of chronic joint pain related to ageing or osteoarthritis are exercising less than they used to1 – despite exercise being a core pain management strategy.2
In fact, the Voltaren® Osteo Gel Keep Moving Report found the majority (76 per cent) of respondents experiencing chronic joint pain related to ageing or osteoarthritis are not using exercise and weight training to help manage their symptoms.1
Osteoarthritis is the most common chronic joint disease, affecting 1.8 million Australians nationwide.3Symptoms may include pain with joint movement, joint stiffness or swelling, or reduced mobility of the joint.4
Alex Bongers, Melbourne pharmacist, said, “As the temperature begins to drop, people have a tendency to slow down. As healthcare professionals we recognise that motivation is reduced, which in turn impacts exercise routines. Exercise is key in the management of OA, which means it is more important than ever to keep moving this winter!
“There can also be a perception, for many people, that their joint pain actually worsens during the colder months – however this can often be linked to declining physical activity. So we encourage people to keep moving.”
It is clear from this research there is a need for healthcare professionals to educate their patients about when to keep moving and when to stop, and not to let the weather dictate this activity.
“Often sufferers will notice joint pain after activities and this may discourage them from exercising. However people can reduce pain flare-ups by complementing medication with important physical lifestyle changes, which may include maintaining mobility in the hands, weight-bearing exercises to improve knee joint problems and weight loss,” said Mr Bongers.
The report also found that almost half of all respondents put up with pain for a few months or more before seeking diagnosis or medical treatment from a healthcare professional.1
Osteoarthritis is a condition where the cartilage that protects the end of the bones is no longer efficiently repaired. As cartilage is degraded, the bone previously protected by cartilage gradually loses its normal shape and bony spurs may develop on the edges of the joint. The rough, uneven surfaces rub together causing pain.4
Mr Bongers added “Patients with joint pain or newly diagnosed osteoarthritis should be speaking to their doctor or a pharmacist about a management plan that is tailored specifically to them in order to get the most out of their treatment.”
Osteoarthritis guidelines recommend a combination of medication, exercise, weight loss and education to manage symptoms.5-11 Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to help you reduce the impact osteoarthritis has on your lifestyle, as well as providing up-to date advice on pain management recommendations.
Jan Taylor, an ex-competitive swimmer and physiotherapist from Sydney, says she noticed aches and pains in her joints while swimming, at work and carrying out daily activities, but ignored it as ‘just part of the ageing process’.
“As a physiotherapist, I know all about osteoarthritis. I had counselled many of my patients through this condition. But it’s different being on the other side – being the patient,” said Jan.
“Osteoarthritis has impacted my ability to practice as a physiotherapist, given it’s a profession where you use your hands constantly. I had to give it up due to the pain.In the meantime, I have been focusing my energies on swimming.”
For Jan, swimming has kept her moving in the face of life’s challenges. “I swam competitively growing up, and came back to swimming in my 50s and found a sense of release and relief. It handed me back my spirit,” Jan said.
“For me, it’s important to keep moving. Movement invigorates and energises the
body, and gives me a positive outlook on life. My advice is to find something
that you love, that will keep you inspired to keep moving all year round. Even
if I have to modify my activities with the weather, I don’t let it stop me!”
said Jan.
- ENDS –
About the Voltaren® Osteo Gel Keep Moving Report:
The research was conducted by Ipsos on behalf of Novartis Consumer Health. The interviews were carried out among 515 Australians aged 55+ years, who suffer from osteoarthritis and/or chronic joint pain related to ageing in the last 12 months. This study was conducted online amongst members of an opt-in panel and the sample was nationally representative. Fieldwork took place from 16 June – 19 June, 2014.
ABOUT VOLTAREN® OSTEO GEL 12 HOURLY™
Voltaren® Osteo Gel 12 Hourly™ is a new topical treatment specifically for mild osteoarthritis of the knees or fingers, which requires only one application every twelve hours. It can be used to treat osteoarthritis pain and inflammation for up to 3 weeks. Because the absorption of topical anti-inflammatory medications into the bloodstream is lower than oral medications, rubs like Voltaren® Osteo Gel 12 Hourly™ have a lower risk of systemic adverse effects. The use of topical NSAIDs in knee and finger osteoarthritis is supported by international guidelines and Voltaren® Osteo Gel 12 Hourly™ is the only gel for 12 hourly pain relief.
Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional.
Novartis Consumer Health Australasia Pty Ltd is a part of GSK Consumer Healthcare.
References
1. Voltaren® Osteo Gel Keep Moving Report, market research conducted by Ipsos for Novartis Consumer Health, July 2014.
2. Osteoarthritis: management principles. In: eTG complete [Internet]. Melbourne: Therapeutic Guidelines Limited; 2015 Mar.
3. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Australian Health Survey: First results, 2011-12. 4364.0.55.001. Canberra: ABS, 2012.
4. AIHW. A snapshot of arthritis in Australia 2010. Arthritis series no. 13 Cat no. PHE 126. Canberra AIHW; 2010.
5. National Collaborating Centre for Chronic Conditions (NICE). Osteoarthritis: national clinical guideline for care and management in adults. London: Royal College of Physicians; 2008.
6. McAlindon T, Bannuru R, Sullivan M, et al. OARSI guidelines for the non-surgical management of knee osteoarthritis. Osteoarthr Cartil 2014; 22: 363-88.
7. Jordan K, Arden N, Doherty M et al. EULAR Recommendations 2003: an evidence based approach to the management of knee osteoarthritis: Report of a Task Force of the Standing Committee for International Clinical Studies Including Therapeutic Trials (ESCISIT). Ann Rheum Dis 2003; 62: 1145-55.
8. Zhang W, Doherty M, Leeb B et al. EULAR evidence based recommendations for the management of hand osteoarthritis: report of a Task Force of the EULAR Standing Committee for International Clinical Studies Including Therapeutics (ESCISIT). Ann Rheum Dis 2007; 66: 377-88.
9. Hochberg M, Altman R, April K, Benkhalti M et al. American College of Rheumatology 2012 recommendations for the use of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapies in osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and knee. Arthritis Care Res 2012; 64: 465-74.
10. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: evidence-based guideline, 2nd edition. Rosemont: AAOS; 2013.
11. Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Guideline for the non-surgical management of hip and knee osteoarthritis. South Melbourne: RACGP; 2009.