Dr. Rx: Dealing with stiff joints (whatever your age)
VCU School of Pharmacy faculty, alumni and students have provided the Dr. Rx column for Richmond’s Fifty Plus magazine since December 2009. We now share those columns on the SOP website, as well, for those who might not have seen the most recent issue.
Serving as Dr. Rx for May 2015 was Aulbrey Drisaldi, a third-year Pharm.D. student. She earned her bachelor of science degree in exercise science from the University of South Carolina. Her focus areas are internal medicine and pediatrics.
Q: Lately, I have been experiencing stiff joints in my knees and hips. I have difficulty doing simple everyday tasks like carrying groceries and vacuuming. Is this a normal part of aging or something more?
A: While joint pain is not a normal part of aging, it often occurs as you grow older. Not every joint ache and pain needs treatment, but pain that prevents normal activities of daily living should be further evaluated. Arthritis (inflammation of the joints) is a disease that can cause joint pain, especially if you are older than 65.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is also known as degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis. It is the result of the breakdown of the cartilage that covers the ends of bones where they meet to form a joint. Exposed bones will rub against each other and cause irritation and pain.
There is no single, specific cause for osteoarthritis, but it can be attributed to a combination of heredity and lifestyle factors. Females and those who are aging, obese or have a history of joint injury are all at risk for developing osteoarthritis.
Your symptoms will vary depending on which joints are affected. Some common symptoms include stiffness, especially first thing in the morning or after resting, pain and loss of flexibility. Common joints that are affected include the lower back, hips and knees, as these joints bear the brunt of your weight. The neck and finger joints can also be affected.
If you think you have osteoarthritis, schedule an appointment with your health care provider to discuss your symptoms. While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, measures can be taken to help relieve the pain.
Some common non-drug treatments include physical therapy, aerobic exercise, muscle strengthening and water-based exercises. Additionally, weight loss (if you are overweight), therapeutic footwear and insoles, hot and cold compresses and acupuncture can reduce pain.
If the pain is still unmanageable after trying non-medication approaches, speak to your health care provider about trying an over-the-counter medication such as acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories or topical pain relievers (ointments and creams).
Early diagnosis and treatment is an important part of managing arthritis, and speaking with your doctor is a good first step. Don’t be discouraged if the first remedy doesn’t relieve the pain. You might have to try different combinations of exercise, medications and devices to best treat your osteoarthritis.
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