Patients with arthritis are instructed by the NHS to lose weight and exercise as the primary treatment for their condition under new clinical guidelines.
Physical activity may be a better option for pain relief than painkillers such as paracetamol, says the Health Watchdog.
When you start an exercise program, the pain can get worse at first, but this should subside, says the National Health Technology Assessment Organization (Nice).
The guidelines provide recommendations for drug use, including providing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) but not paracetamol or potent opioids.
Physical activity may be a better option for pain relief than painkillers such as paracetamol, says the Health Watchdog.
Dr. Paul Crisp of Nice said: In the long run, including the possibility of addiction.
More than 10 million people in the UK have arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of this condition.
The guidance tells doctors to diagnose osteoarthritis themselves without further investigation of people over the age of 45 who suffer from activity-related joint pain.
Patients should also not have morning joint-related stiffness or morning stiffness that lasts less than 30 minutes to be diagnosed this way.
The draft guidelines state that we can provide a personalized exercise program with the explanation that “it can cause discomfort at first, but regular and consistent exercise is beneficial to the joints.” ..
More than 10 million people in the UK have arthritis.Osteoarthritis is the most common form of this condition
The guidelines add that long-term exercise also increases its benefits.
When it comes to weight loss, it is said that “any amount of weight loss is likely to be beneficial, but losing 10% of body weight is likely to be better than 5%.”
If you cannot manage your condition in any other way, you can also refer to a hip or knee replacement. Do not postpone referrals due to age, gender, or obesity.
Dr. Crisp added: ‘Osteoarthritis can cause discomfort to people and prevent them from performing part of their normal daily activities.
“But there is evidence that muscle strengthening and aerobic exercise can affect not only condition management, but also improving people’s quality of life.
“Beginning that journey can be unpleasant for some people at first, and they are supported and provided with sufficient information to help them manage their condition over a long period of time. Should be.
“While topical and sometimes oral NSAIDs continue to be an important treatment option for osteoarthritis, we have decided not to recommend analgesics such as paracetamol or some opioids for osteoarthritis.”
Tracey Loftis, Head of Policy and Public Relations for the charity Versus Arthritis, said:
“Something like exercise helps improve a person’s mobility, manage pain, and reduce feelings of isolation.
“But our own research on the support given to people with osteoarthritis has shown that too many people have not been regularly reviewed by health care professionals to support physical activity. We have shown that even fewer people have had the opportunity to access it.
“The lack of choice often means sticking to painkillers that don’t help people lead a pain-free life.
“We welcome the draft Nice Guidelines, but medical professionals need more resources and support to better understand their role in facilitating treatment such as physical activity in people with osteoarthritis. It is said that.
“It is clear that people with arthritis need to speak louder so that their health needs are not ignored.”
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