Arthritis - Management & Prevention

In 2018, approximately 670,000 New Zealanders aged 15 or over (1 in 6 people) are living with at least one type of arthritis, the most common form is Osteoarthritis. 

Arthritis can affect many different parts of a joint and nearly every joint in the body. Arthritis can affect people in different ways, but the most common symptoms are swelling, pain, stiffness and decreased range of motion. Symptoms may come and go and vary in their severity, with severe arthritis resulting in chronic pain and disability.

Good healthy habits that improve our diet, physical activity and sleep are proven to reduce the risks of heart attack, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity, dementia, cancer, depression, sleep apnoea and arthritis.

Implementing good healthy habits now will greatly reduce your risk of having arthritis and many of the above-mentioned health risks.  If you already suffer from some form of arthritis, healthy habits can help you take control and better manage your symptoms.

For those of you experiencing pain from arthritis we have teamed up with Eclipse Pharmacy to bring you these special offers for Accuro members.

Simple but effective ways to prevent and reduce the pain of arthritis

1) Get Moving

Resources to help you get moving:

• Arthritis and Exercise by Best Doctors 
• Arthritis Exercises to Keep You Moving by Arthritis NZ
  
  

 2) Eat Well

Resources to help you eat well:

• Healthy Eating by NZ Nutrition Foundation

3) Sleep Well

Resources to help you sleep:

• Insight Timer - Free Meditation app
• Pocket Yoga - A free yoga app
  
  

4) Treat Your body

• Capsaicin cream 
  Capsaicin is a topical cream that has been found to help relieve pain from some arthritic conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and neuralgic pain. Capsaicin is available over the counter in New Zealand and goes by the name of Zostrix®.  See Accuro special offer above.
  
  
• Massage
  Regular massage of muscles and joints, can lead to a significant reduction in pain for people with arthritis. Massage can also promote better sleep that can in turn relieve pain in muscles and joints.  
  Check your Accuro policy to see if you have natural therapy cover, which includes Massage.
  
  
• Acupuncture 
  Acupuncture has been found to be extremely effective at treating the pain and inflammation associated with all types of arthritis. 
  Check your Accuro policy to see if you have natural therapy cover, which includes Acupuncture.
  
  
• Yoga
  Yoga is proven to help people with arthritis improve many physical and psychological symptoms.  Yoga practice can help reduce joint pain, improve joint flexibility and function and lower stress and tension to promote better sleep. There are many free apps available to download so you can enjoy the benefits of Yoga whenever, wherever!  
  
  
• Heat/Cold Therapy 
  Heat or cold therapy works by stimulating your body's own healing force. For instance, heat dilates the blood vessels, stimulates blood circulation, and reduces muscle spasms. Heat alters the sensation of pain. You can use either dry heat such as heating pads or heat lamps or moist heat such as warm baths or heated wash cloths.
  Conversely, cold compresses reduce swelling by constricting blood vessels. While cold packs may be uncomfortable at first, they can numb deep pain. 
  
  
• TENS Machines
  TENS unit therapy is ideal for the treatment of arthritis. It is a non-invasive, fast acting, drug-free method of pain relief. Pads are placed on or near the area of the arthritis pain. TENS sends soothing pulses via TENS electrodes through the skin and along the nerve fibers.  See Accuro special offer above.
  
  
• Physiotherapy 
  A physio can help you manage your arthritis and continue (or return to) an active life doing the things you enjoy. Physio can also help with;
  • Managing your pain
  • Becoming stronger, fitter and more flexible
  • Staying active and independent
  • Avoiding or delaying the need for surgery

        Check your Accuro policy to see if you have physiotherapy benefit as part of your cover.