One of our consultants and specialist nurses have kindly put together some responses to some of our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’
Does Turmeric help with Arthritis?
Turmeric is known for its inflammatory reducing properties, which some people find helpful, but not everyone. It is classed as a ‘food’ not ‘medication’, so there is no medical regulation of its production. But many people with arthritis try Turmeric and find it helpful. Absorption of Turmeric can be quite poor, so it is important to obtain a high dose supplement for it to be effective – A high quality turmeric supplement should contain a dose of around 200mg extract of Turmeric and 15mg of black pepper (black pepper helps your body to absorb the turmeric).
Turmeric can interact with other prescription medications, such as blood thinners, so always check with a pharmacist before trying any supplements.
I suffer from RA and Osteoporosis. I would welcome any help or advice you could give me?
RA is an autoimmune condition, which causes swelling, pain, stiffness and potential damage at the joints, whereas osteoporosis is a thinning of the bones. So, they are therefore treated differently. But there are some generic principles that would help both. Maintaining a healthy weight by being as active as possible, and more importantly, being mindful of your diet. Extra weight adds extra stresses on your joints, as well as increasing other health risks. Any movement is good, no matter how small, so KEEP MOVING, and this will help with both RA and osteoporosis. There is a wide belief that a Mediterranean diet is good for arthritis.
As I have arthritis particularly in my left knee (having had a partial knee replacement in 2016) the fingers of my right hand and aching shoulders. I also have problems with my balance and am interested in finding gentle exercises to improve my general well-being. I would appreciate any help or advice you have. I am 81 years old
Any movement or activity is good, so you don’t have to be doing strenuous exercise to gain benefits. There is lots of guidance on activities you can do whilst sitting, or even lying in ed, which can be helpful if you have concerns about your balance. The Chartered society of physiotherapists website has some great advice on simple exercises you can complete at home, and also exercises that help improve balance – https://www.csp.org.uk/public-patient/keeping-active-and-healthy/staying-healthy-you-age/staying-strong-you-age/strength
I have tried to get through to the department but cannot seem to get a response, any advice please?
Keep trying. There is an advice line for patients who are registered with the rheumatology service, can access, but this of course can be busy. The National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society has a help line open Monday-Friday from 9:30am until 4:30pm on 0800 2987650. Versus Arthritis also has a help line 0800 5200 520 – Mon–Friday 9am–6pm. These are good if you’re looking for general advice and support.
If you have queries about appointments, consultation letters or other issues specifically to the rheumatology unit, use the ‘speak to the receptionist’ option when calling the general phone number. The rheumatology advice line is open every afternoon 13:00-15:30, but you must be under the rheumatology team to be able to access this.
I have had a referral but heard nothing since, what should I do or who should I contact?
If you have been referred by your GP, you can ask them to make enquiries. You could try contacting the outpatient booking office on 01736 874130 to see if they can give you any further information. If your condition is changing or worsening, do contact your GP.
I am running out of my medication and am struggling to access the team, who do I contact?
Your GP should be able to help you, or possibly your pharmacist. The rheumatology team often commence medications but then ask the GP to continue with the prescribing (depending on the medication). Persevere with contacting the team via the advice line, which is available every afternoon.
Also, you may want to make note of when you’re going to run out of medication in advance, such as reminder on your phone, or written on a calendar, to help you plan in advance, so you don’t run out.
Unfortunately, l have bad news because my GP referred me to an orthopaedic surgeon but they have refused the referral, because my BMI is too high, and l am overweight. If there is anyway you can support me, l would really appreciate it because l have severe pain in my left knee, and that stops me from going out and exercising, and therefore helping me lose weight and hopefully reducing my BMI.
Diet is very important. When we don’t move around much, we don’t burn all the calorie we eat, which contributes to weight gain. As hard as it may be, considering what, and how much you eat, would be the first thing you can tackle. Food high in carbohydrate, fat and sugars will all contribute to difficult weight management. Simple measure such as using a smaller plate to control portion size, or having a drink if you feel peckish, instead of a snack (but avoid fruit juices as these are high in sugar). If you want to work hard, try to not buy high calory foods – if it’s not in the house, you can’t eat it!
Improving muscle strength in your legs will help with knee pain.
The Chartered society of physiotherapists website has some great advice on simple exercises you can complete at home, so you can do as much as you can manage – https://www.csp.org.uk/public-patient/keeping-active-and-healthy/staying-healthy-you-age/staying-strong-you-age/strength
My doctor has diagnosed me with Fibromyalgia, I am interested in meeting other people with this condition. I really am Struggling with the pain, getting lack of sleep always in pain and I’m really struggling. I need some form of help. Do you have any advice please?
A charity has recently set up ‘Pain Café’ across Cornwall for patients with chronic pain such as fibromyalgia to discuss their condition and learn ways of manging their chronic pain. Cornwall Connected by Pain, delivering community pain cafes across Cornwall.
A course is run through Plymouth Hospital NHS Trust called ‘Body Reprogramming’. Unfortunately doctors in Cornwall are unable to refer to the face-to-face classes are we are out of area, but the website has helpful videos and a downloadable guide. http://www.bodyreprogramming.org/
I have a family history of osteoarthritis in the family, is it a hereditary disease?
A family history of arthritis may put people at an increased risk of developing osteoarthritis, but it is not hereditary, as no genetic link has been found. The best thing to do is to reduce your individual risk, by maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol and remaining physically active
What can I do to reduce my risk of Arthritis and other MSK conditions?
Most MSK conditions are related to genetics and environmental factors that are often beyond our control. There isn’t any specific advice for MSK condition than general health advice, healthy balanced diet, regular exercise and don’t smoke.
45 year old man who has osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis and degenerative disc disease, over the last year my symptoms have worsened and I’m currently unable to work and am beginning to feel very isolated, do you have any contacts for groups I could join or meet up with or get in touch with it would be great to talk to people going through a similar experience it would also be nice to get involved with a group who understands the condition. Can you help?
CAT is organising regular patient group meetings including walking groups if suitable. Otherwise pain café meeting may be beneficial. Cornwall Connected by Pain, delivering community pain cafes across Cornwall
How can I manage my pain better? I want to be more active and exercise more but I am in pain, can you help?
Depends on source of pain and what painkiller you are able to take. NSAIDs e.g. naproxen tend to be best for joint related pain but many people can’t take them due to other health conditions. If not, then topical anti-inflammatory gels can be used instead. Other pain killers such as paracetamol and codeine can also be beneficial.
Engaging in exercise can be very daunting with joint pain and will need to start low and very gradually increasing, light strength-based exercise and low intensity low impact aerobic exercise would be best to start e.g. tai chi, seated weights.
Are there any complimentary medicines that can help me manage my condition?
Generally speaking, complimentary medicines have very little evidence and would not normally be recommended by your rheumatologist. However, if faced with chronic pain and little other options if you wish to experiment with complimentary methods and fine something that’s helpful for you that’s absolutely fine.
Diet is important but are their any particular foods that I should be eating or foods I should be avoiding to help manage my Arthritis?
Many patients report making dietary changes has improved their arthritis. However, no diet has been definitely proved in clinical trials to definitely improve arthritis. Current guidelines recommend a ‘normal’ balanced diet. If you wish to trial cutting down on meat or processed foods or sugar some patients have found this beneficial, but this is not universal.
I am trying to avoid hip replacement surgery because of osteoarthritis, but whether I will succeed, only time will tell, but I’m determined to give it a good go before going down the surgery route. What is your advice please?
We need normally recommend referral for physiotherapy to give a detailed plan on best exercises. If engaging in home exercises, main focus would be to improve range of movement and core strengthening. Engage in regular aerobic exercises, preferably non-weight bearing such as swimming or low impact e.g. cycling or rowing.
If you have any questions, please contact us via info@cornwallarthritis.org.uk and we will do our best to respond and continue to add to our FAQ’s.
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