SORE HIPS AND PAINFUL KNEES It’s known as osteo-arthritis, and usually attacks knees and hips, at least a quarter of those over 55 being affected.  Pain, specially after walking, or standing  is common. Most can readily diagnose, but checking with your local GP is wise. X-rays confirm the diagnosis.  Follow instructions.  However, here are a few simple tips Do as much as you can to help yourself.  The Arthritis Foundation of NSW gives lots of good advice. Free call 1800 011 041.

Lose weight, as this lessens weight the inflamed joints have to bear.

Exercising as much as possible, with low impact routines such as swimming, easy walking, cycling, or aquatic walking etc, improves muscle function.

Knee braces, orthotics or supportive footwear can help those with unstable joints.

WHAT ABOUT MEDICATION?

Today, paracetamol is first line therapy.  Standard 500 mg tablets maybe taken one to four times a day after food.  But take only if in pain. All brands are the same  A  stronger long acting one called Panadol-Osteo (650 mg) may be taken twice a day. and is very effective.

The family of drugs called the NSAIDS have been around for 50 years, and more recently the COX-2 inhibitors. They were claimed to be the best ever.  But many recent studies show they can lead to gastric bleeding and heart disease and have fallen from favour. Some are still used but in very small doses.  Ibuprofen and Naprosyn are considered the safest.

Glucosamine with chondroitin 750 mg twice a day is an “alternative medicine” used by many doctors, and gives relief to many with no side effects.

Some respond to injections in the knee but must be repeated for continued relief, and is expensive,

If all else fails, hip and knee replacement surgery is very successful, and may convert a cripple back to normal life. But if not on the public list it is expensive. But compared to buying a house, block of land or Lexus, it is cheap.  Consider your priorities. ‘Life is not a dress rehearsal”. Enjoy whatever time is left.

LONELY LIVING AND EXISTING

By the way, if your friends, rellies, parents need accommodation, “Vimiera Village Assisted Living” units are great.   Many elderly live alone, rarely see anyone, may need emergency attention at all hours and loneliness is awful.

Here you make new friends in the same general age, enjoy meals prepared in our own kitchen by our cooks, linen provided and laundered, with access to the village centre with all of its comfy delights.  On site management. Plus our wonderful “afternoon tea parties” where we all get together.  Phone David on 02 9868 7544 for details. Or log onto vimieravillage.com.au.

Till next month, good wishes from your friend,