Questions and Answers

The Arthritis Society routinely receives frequently asked questions and some not so common ones. While the questions are asked by people with varied forms of arthritis and from different regions of the country, they do have something in common - they represent a hunger for knowledge and understanding. We've created this resource area for you to review some of the questions and responses our staff and volunteers gathered. We hope they offer some insights and encourage you to browse further into the site.

The questions are not organized in any particular order. You can browse them twenty questions at a time, or use the search feature to find if any questions were asked about a topic that interests you.

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Question 102
How does a joint function?

A joint is any place in the body where two bones meet. Cartilage covers  the ends of bones. This is an elastic tissue that acts as a shock absorber and  keeps bones from rubbing against each other. A joint capsule encloses the entire joint. The joint capsule is lined by an inner membrance called the synovial  membrane or synovium. The synovium makes slippery fluid (synovial fluid) which fills the small space around and between two bones. They synovium nourishes the cartilage (which contains no blood vessels). The synovium also keeps joints lubricated, making movement smooth and easy. Around the joints are ttisues that provide support and help joints move properly. These tissues include the bursae, ligaments, muscles, & tendons. These connective tissues are found throughout the body. They form the body's support structures and help keep internal organs in place. They also help form the skin (Source: Arthritis Foundation Info Manual).

Question 103
How do I manage pain?

People with arthritis can get caught in a cycle of pain, depression and stress that may be very frustrating. Learning to manage pain in a positive way can prevent this situation from occuring. One way to try to take control of pain is to develop a pain management plan and use it. A pain management plan may include any combination of the following: biofeedback, counseling, exercise, heat &/or cold treatment, hypnosis, joint protection/energy conservation,  medication, relaxation techniques, self-massage, sleep improvement, splints,support groups, surgery, TENS unit.  Discuss with your doctor the ways to develop a pain management plan appropriate to your needs. Other health  professionals that can assist include: physiotherapist, occupational therapist,  pharmacist.

Question 104
What about sex and arthritis?

People with arthritis can have a satisfying sexual relationship.  Problems caused by arthritis sometimes interfere with sexual enjoyment, but arthritis almost never affects the sexual part of the body. Arthritis can have an indirect effect, such as causing changes in joints and appearance of the body. It also can make the person feel stiff, sore or tired. Such changes can cause awkwardness or decreased interest in sex. Proper planning & sharing of feelings with your partner can help improve sexual enjoyment. (Source: Arthritis Foundation Information Manual)  

Question 105
What can one do about sleep disturbance?

A well-rested body is a stronger, healthier body. To promote better sleep, you should: avoid alcohol and caffeine before bedtime, use a mattress appropriate for your needs (a firm mattress is usually the best), exercise and take your arthritis medication as prescribed, & relax.  

Question 106
What are the options for people who cannot or will not undergo joint replacement surgery?

There are very few situations where joint surgery cannot be done, even in the elderly. Those with open skin wounds and active infectious disease should not undergo joint replacement because of the risk of infection in the replaced joint. Patients with other serious medical conditions may be at risk as well. Otherwise, all patients with severe restriction of activities & pain who no longer respond to medical & physical therapies should be referred to an orthopedic surgeon for evaluation. Total joint arthroplasty provides reliable & excellent results in pain control & restoration of function for individuals in end stage OA. For those anxious about surgery, speaking to others who have had surgery, having an evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon, and taking education on surgery will feel less anxious. (Taken from Dr.Klinkhoff's column, Arthritis + You, Feb, 1997)  

Question 107
What about ceramic hip replacements? 

Ceramic, as opposed to plastic, hip replacements, are not yet accepted as safe. While there is a desire to develop new materials that will be better than what is now used, ceramic hip replacements do not appear yet to be that product as it has its own problems that have not yet been overcome. (PT Dept,  Mary Pack Arthritis Centre, Feb, 1997)

Question 108
What about yoga and arthritis?

Generally yoga includes a lot of stretching and this is generally beneficial. It is usually done slowly and is therefore probably safe. There are certain conditions in which it may be ill advised. For example, people who have unstable joints, such as in RA should possible not be doing stretching to these joints as the already unstable ligaments can be stretched further. A significant number of RA patients who have unstable neck problems - rolling and stretching exercises in these people is potentially dangerous. So, overall it is generally good and safe, but any individual should check with their health professional prior to commencing a yoga program. (PT Dept., Mary Pack Arthritis Centre,  March, 1996).

Question 109
What about chicken collagen and arthritis?

A researcher at Harvard, Dr. David Trentham, have developed a drug from chicken collagen to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Collagen, a protein commonly found in joint cartilage, was given to half a study group of 60 RA patients. Researchers found that swelling and pain declined significantly in patients given collage, with four of them going into remission. Conditions of the placebo patients worsened (Source: Vancouver Sun, Sept 24, 1993) Important to note: before results are definitive, there must be long term studies done with larger  numbers of patients.

Question 110
What is cyto-protection?

Cyto-protection is stomach protection for NSAIDS (non steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs) that thin the mucous lining of the stomach and intestine. The mucous protects you from stomach acids and digestive juices.  NSAIDS can thin this protective mucous lining, making you more prone to ulcers.  Consult a  pharmacist on the use of cyto-protection.

Question 111
Can chlamydia be a cause of ostearthritis?

Chlamydia, yersinia, campylobacter, shigella, klebsiella, and others are causes of reactive arthritis and have been suggested to be implicated in other spondylarthropathies. There is evidence for the former but not yet for the latter. As for osteoarthritis, there is no suggestion at all that it has an infective origin.  (Bruce Clark, physiotherapist, Mary Pack Arthritis Program, Vancouver, Nov/99) 

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