Home
Bupa members

Support and offers for individual members and customers

Osteoarthritis Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, November 2008.

Answers to questions about osteoarthritis

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

Will eating oily fish or taking fish oil supplements help osteoarthritis?

This is unlikely. Some beneficial effects of fish oils have been found in other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Evidence produced so far for osteoarthritis is unconvincing.

Explanation

Fish oils contain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Some research has suggested that these fatty acids may have a beneficial effect in inflammatory forms of arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, reactive arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. The evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids have a role in reducing the inflammation associated with these forms of arthritis. However, studies that have been carried out into omega-3 fatty acids and osteoarthritis have produced disappointing results and more research is needed.

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in their most beneficial form for inflammatory types of arthritis in oily fish, such as salmon, herring, kippers, mackerel, pilchards and trout. They are also found in avocados, nuts and seeds and hemp, flaxseed, walnut and rapeseed oils.

Further information

Sources

back to top

I don't like swimming. Is there another form of exercise that will help osteoarthritis?

Yes. A mix of different types of exercise is ideal. Before you start, though, get advice on what type of exercise will be best for you.

Explanation

When you are in pain you may not like the idea of exercise but it can bring real benefits if you have osteoarthritis. Swimming isn't the only option. There are three basic types of exercise that can help.

  • Strengthening exercises: these exercises can target the muscles around affected joints and improve your stability and mobility. There is good evidence in particular that strengthening exercises can help reduce pain and disability in osteoarthritis of the knee. It's always best to get advice from your doctor or physiotherapist on what is best for you. For example, if you have knee osteoarthritis, your doctor or physiotherapist may recommend that you do targeted exercises to strengthen your front thigh muscle.
  • Range of movement exercises: these help keep you flexible and mobile. They involve moving your joints through their full range of movement and trying to move a little further beyond this. Get advice on what would be best for you. Build up slowly and aim to do these exercises in each joint of your body every day. Start at the extremities and work inwards. If you are pushed for time, concentrate on the joints affected by arthritis, try doing them in blocks of five to 10 minutes.
  • Aerobic exercise: there are real benefits from general aerobic exercise - that's anything that increases your heart rate and makes you slightly out of breath. This type of exercise can help reduce pain, and also improve your general health and wellbeing. Again, it's best to get specific advice from a doctor or physiotherapist. If you don't like swimming, your doctor or physiotherapist may recommend that you try walking, cycling or dancing. Everyday activities like gardening and housework may also help.

If you have osteoarthritis, as well as getting some tailored advice, there are some general points to consider when exercising.

  • Try to make the exercise part of your daily routine and build up slowly.
  • Before exercising it can be helpful to have a warm bath or shower, use a warming spray or a dry, warm pack on affected joints.
  • It's unlikely that exercise will make your arthritis worse. However, never force a painful joint. It's normal to feel some pain as you build up your exercise programme. If any pain lasts for longer than two hours after exercising, contact your doctor.
  • Try cooling sprays or ice packs to prevent soreness.
  • Always wear cushioned and supportive footwear.

Further information

Sources

back to top

I have an allergy to shellfish, so can I take glucosamine?

No. Glucosamine is made from shellfish, so it's not advisable to take glucosamine.

Explanation

The supplement glucosamine may provide some pain relief for people with osteoarthritis, although there is only limited evidence that it's effective. If you have an allergy to shellfish it's best to avoid glucosamine all together. The supplement is made from the shells of shellfish.

Some experts say shellfish allergy is caused by shellfish flesh, rather than the shell, but some allergic reactions to glucosamine have been reported. The supplement chondroitin, often taken with glucosamine, isn't made from shellfish.

Further information

Sources

  • Joint Formulary Committee, British National Formulary. 55 ed. London: British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, 2008: 557
  • Shellfish - shell and skeleton derivatives. Anaphylaxis Campaign. www.anaphylaxis.org.uk, accessed 3 March 2008
  • Glucosamine sulphate and chondroitin for osteoarthritis, Diet and Arthritis, Arthritis Research Campaign, July 2006. www.arc.org.uk
back to top

Related topics

back to top

This information, published by Bupa's health information team, is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: November 2008

 

Rate this page

Up to £100 off a Bupa Health assessment

Bupa health insurance

Free online health check

Bupa Care Homes

Bupa travel cover