Joint Pain: Six Things to Know and Do

Living with joint pain can be… well, a pain in the neck! Not always literally, of course. But if you have chronic pain in one or more of your joints, (chronic pain is pain that lasts more than three months, or beyond normal healing time1), accompanied by swelling of the joint, chances are it’s being caused by an underlying condition like a type of arthritis.2 

Because osteoarthritis is the most common form of joint disease, affecting 1 in 5 Australians (22%) over the age of 45,3 that’s going to be the main focus of this article. 

Here are six things you should know about joint pain and osteoarthritis specifically, and six practical steps you can take to manage it. 

Six things you should know about joint pain and osteoarthritis 

1. There are multiple possible causes of chronic joint pain 

Osteoarthritis is just one of numerous conditions that cause pain, swelling, stiffness, aches, or feelings of heat or warmth in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis and gout, for example, are also common. 

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which your immune system starts attacking your own healthy tissues, targeting the lining of the joints and causing inflammation and joint damage.4 

Gout occurs when small crystals form in and around the joint, causing inflammation, pain, and swelling, usually in one joint at a time, often in the big toe, with the joint becoming very red, swollen, and extremely painful.4 

2. What is osteoarthritis? 

Normal activities in life cause our joints to suffer constant low-level damage. In most cases, the body repairs itself and we develop no symptoms. However, in osteoarthritis the protective cartilage (the tough, slippery tissue that enables nearly frictionless joint motion) on the ends of bones wears down. This causes pain, swelling, and difficulties in moving the affected joints.5 

3. Who is most at risk of osteoarthritis? 

While osteoarthritis can affect people of any age, it’s more common in women, people aged over 40, and those who have had previous damage or injury to a joint. Other risk factors include having a family history of the condition and working in a physically demanding job, or doing frequent activities, that can lead to joint damage over time.3, 4, 5, 6 

In addition to this, there are various factors that can increase your risk of developing osteoarthritis in specific joints. Some common ones include:3 

• Knees: Being overweight; extended periods of kneeling; excessive climbing or squatting. 
• Hips: Being overweight; lifting heavy loads. 
• Hands: Being overweight; frequent, repetitive use of the hands.

4. What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis? 

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but it occurs most often in the knees, hips, finger joints, and big toe.3 The symptoms can vary depending on the joint affected. 

Pain, tenderness, and stiffness are the most common symptoms, often being worse with activity earlier on. But these symptoms can become more constant over time. Other symptoms may include clicking noises, grating sensations, the formation of bone spurs, and loss of flexibility or reduced movement in a joint.3, 5 

The severity of joint pain and swelling may vary at different times of the day (such as in the morning), or with different activities (like climbing stairs, or opening jars), and can lead to tiredness and fatigue.2 

5. Osteoarthritis is not curable, but is manageable  

While osteoarthritis is not curable, it’s usually possible to live well with it, by, for example, treating the joint pain and stiffness so you can continue your daily activities.3, 5 

Below, we explore a range of things you can do to help you manage the symptoms if you have osteoarthritis. 

6. How is osteoarthritis diagnosed? 

Osteoarthritis can be diagnosed from your symptoms and a physical examination. Your doctor may also run blood tests, not to diagnose osteoarthritis, but to help rule out other types of arthritis.3 

While x-rays may show changes in the shape of your joint, they don’t diagnose the extent of any symptoms you may suffer because joint damage doesn’t necessarily translate to pain, swelling, stiffness, and so on. Conversely, people can suffer joint pain despite x-rays being normal.3 

Six things you should do about joint pain and osteoarthritis 

1.Get a diagnosis 

If you have joint pain or stiffness that doesn’t go away, make an appointment with your Doctor, so an effective treatment plan can be recommended for you. Remember, there are multiple possible causes of those symptoms. 

2. Keep active 

Regular exercise is important to keep the joints and muscles healthy and flexible. It’s advisable to choose low-impact activities so you don’t put excessive strain on your joints. Some good options include:2, 3, 5, 6 

• Yoga, tai chi, and muscle stretches to help maintain or improve your flexibility. 

• Muscle strengthening exercises, like using weights or resistance bands, to build muscle strength to take pressure off your joints, strengthen your bones, and improve your balance. 

• Brisk walking, swimming, or cycling to help improve and maintain your general fitness. 

3. Keep your weight down 

Extra weight increases the stress on joints, especially the weight-bearing ones such as your knees and hips.2, 3, 5, 6 Even losing a small amount of weight can reduce pressure as well as pain.5 Talk to your IPA Pharmacist or a Dietitian about healthy ways to lose weight. 

4. Eat a healthy diet 

There is no diet that will cure osteoarthritis or other joint pain3, but a balanced diet may help you maintain a healthy weight. 

Eating a healthy diet not only helps you reach and maintain an ideal weight but can contribute to improved joint mobility and reduced pain. For example, foods that contain omega-3 fats have been found to help reduce the inflammation associated with some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.7 While the effects may be less than those of medication, consuming omega-3 fats in reasonable quantities doesn’t have side effects, and may also have other health benefits, such as reduced risk of heart disease. 

Foods rich in omega-3 fats such as oily fish, like salmon and sardines, linseed or flaxseed oil, canola or rapeseed oil, and walnuts, may all help.7 Ask your IPA Pharmacist about omega-3 supplements, especially if you don’t like oily fish. 

5. Consider seeing a range of health professionals 

There’s no way of predicting which treatment, or combination of treatments, will work best for you. It can be useful to build a team of healthcare professionals, all contributing to a range of treatments3, 5, 6: 

• Your GP or a Rheumatologist (specialist in joint problems) can make a diagnosis and prescribe medications and treatments to relieve pain and other symptoms if needed. They can also refer you to an orthopaedic surgeon if your symptoms are affecting your daily activities and can’t be managed in other ways. 

• Your local IPA Pharmacist and their team can advise you and supply medications for pain and inflammation, as well as physical supports, such as braces, to reduce pressure on joints, and assist with weight loss and supplements. 

• A Physiotherapist can show you exercises to strengthen the muscles around your joints, and to increase your flexibility and reduce pain. 

• A Dietitian can advise on the best diet to keep your weight at a good level. 

• A Psychologist can help you cope with the perfectly natural feelings of fear, anxiety, frustration, sadness, or perhaps anger that can accompany the onset of a potentially life-changing condition. 

• An Occupational Therapist can help with advice and guidance on daily activities and functions at home and at work to make your life more comfortable, safer, and easier. 

• An Exercise Physiologist or personal trainer can help you develop a suitable exercise routine to keep you active, flexible, and to help you keep your weight down.

6. Use assistive devices if needed 

If it keeps you able to do more, using assistive devices can be helpful. For example, a cane or walker take weight off your knee or hip as you walk, and tools for gripping or grabbing, like jar openers, may make it easier to work in the kitchen if you have osteoarthritis in your fingers. Heat/cold packs can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. 

Your local IPA Pharmacist and their team, your Doctor, or your Occupational Therapist can advise you on the best choices. 

We hope we’ve given you some useful information and tips about joint pain and osteoarthritis in particular. Remember, your local IPA Pharmacist and their team is here to help and advise you on living as healthy and comfortable a life as possible.  

Who are IPA Pharmacists? 

IPA Pharmacists are part of Australia’s largest network of independent pharmacies. They offer personalised healthcare and expertise in medicines. They specialise in various health aspects, such as sleep and diabetes, and are dedicated to supporting your wellness journey.  

With a network of over 1,100 pharmacies and growing, an IPA pharmacy near you is ready to provide exceptional advice, services, and products to enhance your health outcomes.  

References: 

1. “About chronic pain” – Chronic Pain Australia 
2. “Joint pain and swelling” – HealthDirect 
3. “Osteoarthritis” – Arthritis Australia 
4. “Types of arthritis” – Arthritis Australia 
5. “Diseases and Conditions – Osteoarthritis” – Mayo Clinic 
6. “Osteoarthritis” – HealthDirect 
7. “Arthritis and diet” – BetterHealth.vic.gov.au 

Important Information

The information provided on this website is shared in good faith for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any specific treatment, product, or service, nor is it a substitute for professional advice. Always consult with qualified professionals regarding matters related to your health, wellbeing, or other personal concerns. While every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information, we cannot accept responsibility for any injury, loss, damage, or consequences resulting from its use.