WELCOME TO Joint Arthritis Australia
We are here to give you all the information you need about joint arthritis. Whether you have been diagnosed with joint arthritis or you feel you have the symptoms of joint arthritis, we have all the information you need on new products and treatments.

What is Joint Arthritis

Joint Arthritis literally means “inflamed joint.” Normally a joint consists of two smooth, cartilage-covered bone surfaces that fit together as a matched set and that move smoothly against one other. Joint Arthritis results when these smooth surfaces become irregular and don’t fit together well anymore and essentially “wear out.” Joint Arthritis can affect any joint in the body, but it is most noticeable when it affects the hands and fingers. Joint Arthritis can be both painful and disabling. The most common forms of joint arthritis is osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis (after an injury), and rheumatoid arthritis. Other causes of joint arthritis are infection, gout, and psoriasis.

The start of joint arthritis varies from person to person. For some people, the pain can be sudden and intense. For others, the pain is gradual. Symptoms of joint arthritis include swelling, redness, warmth, tenderness, loss of motion or function of the joint, and joint damage. Osteoarthritis starts slowly, usually over many months or years. Symptoms may include minor swelling and changes in the joint cartilage, which can lead to joint damage, pain, and loss of function. The joints most affected are the knee, hip, and hand.

Your doctor may prescribe medicines to help treat your arthritis. Over-the-counter medicines are often the first treatment choice for arthritic pain. Two main types of medicines are used: acetaminophen and non steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs). These medications reduce swelling and pain. Let your doctor know about any over-the-counter products you are taking in addition to what he or she has prescribed. Other treatments include doing low impact exercise often referred to as isometric exercise. Isometric exercise involves no movements of the joints and increases the muscle strength around the affected arthritic joint. Currently there a products that help with performing arthritic exercise.

Move your joints no matter what degree of joint arthritis you have their will be some form of exercise you can do whether it isometric or strength training. Exercise reduces pain, makes you more flexible, energizes you, and increases your overall good health. The type and amount of exercise depends on which joints are involved and the degree of joint inflammation. It should be tailored to your needs. Ask your doctor about good exercises for you.

Australian Links for Arthritis

Arthritis and Osteoporosis Organisations

Arthritis Australia: www.arthritisaustralia.com.au
Arthritis ACT: www.ourcanberra.com/Arthritis-ACT.html
Arthritis Victoria: www.arthritisvic.org.au
Arthritis South Australia: www.arthritissa.org.au
Arthritis Western Australia: www.arthritiswa.org.au
Arthritis Tasmania: www.arthritistasmania.com.au
Arthritis Queensland: www.arthritis.org.au
Arthritis Northern Territory: www.aont.org.au
Osteoporosis Australia: www.osteoporosis.org.au
The Lupus Association of NSW, Inc: www.lupusnsw.org.au
Scleroderma Association of NSW Inc: www.sclerodermansw.org

Federal and State Departments

Department of Health and Ageing: www.health.gov.au
NSW Health: www.health.nsw.gov.au
Australian Government’s Health Website: www.healthinsite.gov.au
Department of Veterans Affairs: www.dva.gov.au

Health organisations

Heart Foundation: www.heartfoundation.com.au
Diabetes NSW: www.diabetesnsw.com.au

Divisions of General Practice

Alliance of NSW Divisions of General Practice: www.answd.com.au
Australian General Practice Network: www.adgp.com.au

Medicines

National Prescribing Service: www.nps.org.au
Medicines Line: www.healthinsite.gov.au/topics/medicines

Young Adults

Young Adults with Arthritis (NSW YAWA): www.yawa.arthritisnsw.org.au
The Children’s Hospital at Westmead: www.chw.edu.au

Resources

Challenging Arthritis: www.challengingarthritis.org
Bone and Joint Decade: www.boneandjointdecade.org
A National Action Plan for osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoporosis:
www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/Content/pq-arthritis-nap

Some well known and recommended health and medical sites:

HealthInsite: www.healthinsite.gov.au
Better Health Channel: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
MedlinePlus: www.medlineplus.gov
Mayo Clinic: www.mayoclinic.com
My Doctor Health Information: www.mydr.com.au (click on health information search)
Informed Health Online: www.informedhealthonline.org
ABC Health Matters: www.abc.net.au/health

Some well known and recommended medicines sites:

NPS Medicines Information: www.nps.org.au (this takes you to consumers section)
Better Health Medicines Guide: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
My Doctor Medication Search: www.mydr.com.au