Moving with Arthritis

Arthritis is actually an umbrella term for more than 100 medical conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system.

Symptoms of arthritis-related problems include pain, stiffness, inflammation and damage to joint cartilage and surrounding structures. This can result in joint weakness, instability and deformities that can interfere with the most basic daily tasks such as walking, driving a car and preparing food.

Wyeth works to assist those with the most serious and debilitating forms of arthritis through the provision of innovative treatment known as Biologic Response Modifiers or ‘Biologics’. Biologics work by blocking some of the hormones associated with inflammation. We also work closely with groups such as the Arthritis Research Taskforce and Arthritis Australia to improve patients access to the latest treatments.

Tens easy steps to get you moving
According to Arthritis Australia there are lots of things you can do to manage your arthritis.

1. Take control by knowing your disease. Learning about your arthritis gives you back some control and allows you to start taking action to improve your condition.
2. Don’t delay, see your doctor. Arthritis can get worse if left untreated so it is important to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis.
3. Work with your healthcare team and be an important part of it. Discuss any concerns you have about your treatment with your team, take notes if necessary and don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions.
4. Know about your treatment options. These might include physiotherapy, medication, alternative therapies and joint replacement.
5. Find new ways to stay active. Research has found that regular exercise is one of the most effective treatments for arthritis so talk to your healthcare team about developing a program that’s right for you and then stick to it.
6. Learn techniques to help manage your pain. Though treatment for arthritis is constantly improving there will be times when you still experience some pain and discomfort. Seek out different ways of managing the pain from effective use of medication to relaxation and distraction techniques.
7. Acknowledge your feelings and seek support. It is normal to feel angry, frustrated or even depressed about the prospect of living with arthritis. It can take time to adjust to new limitations so tap into your support networks and look for new ways to challenge yourself.
8. Make food choices that count. Although there is no evidence to support claims that certain foods can prevent, cure or cause arthritis, diet is still very important. You need to stay and healthy and losing weight can also reduce the stress and pressure on arthritic joints.
9. Balance your life. You need to find the right balance between work, activity and rest. Listen to your body and be prepared to adjust your routine to allow you body to recuperate.
   
10. Visit the Arthritis Australia website for lots of useful information and helpful hints for living with arthritis.
    

The bigger picture
Wyeth is a major sponsor of the Community Care Program managed by Medicines Australia that gave Arthritis Australia an unrestricted grant for awareness programs during 2005.