Latest news with #VersusArthritis
Daily Record
a day ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Changing the way you walk could help knee arthritis and delay surgery
A new study has suggested that changing the angle of your foot while walking could ease arthritis pain in the knee. Around 10 million people in the UK have arthritis, with 5.4 million of them being affected specifically in their knees, according to Versus Arthritis. But a new study has suggested an odd method for easing the pain of knee arthritis - changing the way you walk. Arthritis is an incurable disease in which the cartilage cushion inside a joint breaks down, causing pain and inflammation. But the new findings from the universities of Utah and Stanford and NYU suggest that adjusting the angle of the foot while walking may not only ease pain, but slow down the progression of the condition and even delay surgery. The new study explored whether slightly changing the way arthritis patients position their feet when walking could diminish stress on the joint in order to lessen the symptoms of the disease. The researchers tested their theory on 68 men and women with mild to moderate knee osteoarthritis, before using advanced MRI scans to track how well it worked. Results, published on August 12 in The Lancet Rheumatology showed that those trained to angle their feet slightly inward or outward from their natural alignment experienced slower cartilage degeneration in the inner part of their knee, compared with those who were encouraged to walk more frequently without changing their foot position. The scientists believe that their findings, if researched further, could even lead to a delay in the need for surgery. And this could save a lot of pain and hassle for those with arthritis, as the earlier patients receive a knee replacement, the more likely they will require more procedures in the future. The findings also revealed that patients who adjusted their foot angle reduced their pain score by 2.5 points on a 10-point scale- the same effect that over-the-counter pain medications can have on arthritis symptoms. But while patients who adjusted the way they walked saw a decrease in pain, those who did not change their gait reduced their pain scores by little more than a point. Co-lead author on the study, Valentina Mazzoli, PhD said: "Although our results will have to be confirmed in future studies, they raise possibility that the new, noninvasive treatment could help delay surgery. "Altogether, our findings suggest that helping patients find their best foot angle to reduce stress on their knees may offer an easy and fairly inexpensive way to address early-stage osteoarthritis. "These results highlight the importance of personalising treatment instead of taking a one-size-fits-all approach to osteoarthritis. "While this strategy may sound challenging, recent advances in detecting the motion of different body parts using artificial intelligence may make it easier and faster than ever before.' The scientist added that this inexpensive physical technique may have a significant advantage over pharmaceutical painkillers, which may temporarily relieve symptoms but do not address the underlying disease, and can also cause liver and kidney damage, stomach ulcers, and other unwanted side effects when taken for long periods. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Telegraph
4 days ago
- Health
- Telegraph
Ten natural remedies to relieve arthritis pain
One in six of us in the UK now live with arthritis, according to the latest figures from Versus Arthritis, which adds up to over 10 million people suffering with joint pain, swelling and stiffness, many in silence. But while there is sadly no magic cure for arthritis, doctors actively encourage people with the condition to make simple lifestyle adjustments which not only relieve their pain, but also help slow down the progression of the disease. 'The difficulty with a lot of conventional medications like anti-inflammatories and painkillers is that they really don't work very well – or they work but they have side effects,' says Dr Wendy Holden, Arthritis Action's medical adviser and honorary consultant rheumatologist at North Hampshire Hospitals NHS Trust. 'Lifestyle changes can make a really big difference.' The most common form of the condition is osteoarthritis (OA), the wear-and-tear kind which typically affects people from their mid-40s onwards, and affects the joints in the hands, spine, knees and hips; and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune condition which causes the body's immune system to mistakenly attack the lining of the joints, causing pain and swelling. 'Even though there are different kinds of arthritis, generally the lifestyle advice holds true across the board,' says Dr Holden. Here are the leading natural remedies and lifestyle changes that our experts recommend. 1. Lose weight One of the biggest favours you can do to relieve your arthritis pain is lose weight. 'Losing weight reduces pressure on joints, particularly weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees. There may also be an impact from reducing fat tissue, as this is metabolically 'active' and can secrete several chemical factors, some of which may have inflammatory effects,' says nutritionist Bridget Benelam, from the British Nutrition Foundation. One study found that reaching a healthy BMI could reduce arthritis pain in the foot and ankle by as much as 43 per cent, and losing just 1lb of body fat could remove 4lb worth of pressure from your knee joints. For this reason alone, Dr Holden says that losing just a small amount of weight will help. 'The important thing here is that you don't need to lose a lot of weight to make a difference: just losing 5-10 per cent of your body weight has been shown to dramatically reduce arthritis pain,' she says. 2. Give up smoking The second biggest factor in relieving arthritis symptoms is to give up smoking. This is because smoking is linked to increased inflammation, one of the main triggers of RA. Smoking can also decrease blood flow and oxygen to your joints, thereby accelerating the deterioration of joint cartilage and slowing down the body's ability to heal, making arthritis progress more quickly. In addition, it's linked to decreased bone density, which can make joint pain worse and increase the risk of falls and fractures. Evidence has shown that stopping smoking will not only improve arthritis symptoms, but will also improve how well any treatment actually works – particularly in people with RA. 3. Eat an anti-inflammatory diet 'A diet which is rich in oily fish, olive oil, vegetables, pulses and wholegrains remains one of the best approaches for reducing inflammation and supporting joint health,' says nutritionist Milena Kaler. She adds: 'Oily fish like salmon and sardines provide omega-3 fatty acids, which may help reduce joint pain and stiffness over time. Plenty of colourful vegetables and berries provide antioxidants, which help to counter the oxidative stress thought to play a role in both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.' Try to avoid heavily processed foods, or those which are high in sugar. This is because a high-sugar diet is thought to be a risk factor for osteoarthritis, and a recent study established a link between arthritis and a high intake of ultra-processed foods, which typically contain additives like preservatives, sweeteners and emulsifiers. 'Ultra-processed foods, excessive refined sugar and trans fats are best kept to a minimum,' advises Kaler. 'These foods are linked to raised inflammation markers in the body and may exacerbate joint pain in the long term. Processed meats, deep-fried foods and high-sugar snacks can worsen systemic inflammation and contribute to weight gain, which places additional strain on joints.' Hydrogenated oils like sunflower oil, soya oil and peanut oil are also linked to worsened arthritis symptoms because of their high omega-6 content which has been linked to inflammatory chemicals in the body. 4. Regular exercise ' Multiple studies show that exercise can reduce pain as much as codeine – by about 30 per cent, ' says Dr Holden. The stronger you are, the more stable your joints will be and the less pain you'll feel.' Gently strengthening muscles and mobilising the joints is the goal, as this will help to stabilise the joint and increase your range of motion, taking the pressure off already sore joints. Regular exercise also helps to improve blood flow. And it doesn't have to involve any expensive kit. Strength training at the gym or at home with resistance bands can be helpful. If this feels too intense, exercising in water, increasing your daily step count, or even practising sitting to standing a few times each day will make a difference, provided you steadily build up and increase your level of activity over time. Dr Holden says: 'People with arthritis worry they're going to hurt themselves with exercise. In fact, the opposite is true. If you don't exercise your muscles get weak and your joints get unstable, and then you get frightened of moving because it hurts.' 5. Acupuncture Daniel Elliott, clinic director at The London Acupuncture Clinic, who treats arthritis patients daily, says that acupuncture is particularly effective when used in combination with conventional medicine – often helping patients to reduce their dosage and the associated side effects. We still don't entirely understand how or why acupuncture works, but a review of a number of studies points to its anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating effect, and concludes that it's worth trying as it can improve the quality of life for people with arthritis, particularly those with RA. Elliott says: 'Acupuncture works to increase localised blood circulation which can help reduce inflammation and swelling, improving movement and reducing pain. It also stimulates the nervous system and releases endorphins which further reduce discomfort.' 6. Massage Massage helps to relieve tension and stiffness, while improving blood flow and easing inflammation and pain. There's some evidence that a weekly or bi-weekly Swedish massage lasting 30-60 minutes for a period of eight weeks can help to manage the pain of RA, as well as reducing the need for painkillers – and Dr Holden believes that massage can also relieve the pain associated with OA. 'Massage can be helpful for hip, knee or back pain. It's a matter of finding which type of 'hands-on' treatment feels best for you,' she says, whether that's manipulation, like osteopathy or chiropractic, myofascial release (a technique used to treat skeletal muscle immobility and pain by releasing tension in the fascia), a gentle, relaxing massage from a beauty therapist, or even self-massage. 'Some people are very sensitive to massage and may find that intense forms of massage are uncomfortable – even painful. In this case, a gentle, relaxing message is a good alternative.' 7. Heat and cold therapy It's worth experimenting to see if your arthritis pain responds best to heat or cold, or a combination of both. Warm baths, saunas, heating pads and hot water bottles can provide short-term relief by improving blood flow and reducing muscle spasms, while ice baths, cold-water swimming, ice packs or even a bag of frozen peas can help to calm inflammation and numb the pain. Dr Holden says: 'As a guide, if there's a muscular element to your pain, then heat will generally help but if there's inflammation or swelling, cold might work better.' 8. Stress-busting techniques You may roll your eyes at this one, but practising mindful meditation can not only help reduce stress and improve sleep, there's increasing evidence that it can also support pain management. This is particularly true for body-scan meditation (paying particular attention to the body parts from top to toes), designed to help you manage pain and discomfort. In one study, participants who followed an eight-week course involving a 10-minute daily meditation reported an immediate improvement in pain-related distress. 'When we're very stressed, our pain threshold will go down, so we feel pain more,' explains Dr Holden. 'People with inflammatory arthritis will often report flare-ups when they've been stressed, and we know that mindfulness or meditation can help with pain management.' If you can't face the thought of meditation, research suggests that simple breathing exercises can have similar benefits – and you can pick up the basics with a free online course. 9. Quality sleep Many people with arthritis have trouble sleeping because the pain, stiffness and inflammation makes it hard to relax and get comfortable. In fact, research shows that up to 60 per cent of arthritis sufferers experience pain during the night. However, there's good evidence that improved sleep can help to ease arthritis pain along with your ability to manage it, so it's important to prioritise sleep hygiene to help you get the restorative rest your body needs. 'Sleep is anti-inflammatory: it boosts the immune system, supports healing and improves mental wellbeing. This is why I recommend paying attention to sleep hygiene,' says Dr Holden. 'Focus on the basics, such as not eating close to bedtime, establishing a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and alcohol in the evening, and taking time to unwind before bed.' If your sleep is disturbed by pain, talk to your GP about physiotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy and drug treatments, all of which can help you break the cycle of sleeplessness. 10. Supplements The jury is out on this. Health food shops are packed with supplements claiming to ease the symptoms of arthritis, and Dr Holden believes that some of them are worth a try – with one important caveat. She says: 'There is some evidence that some herbal supplements can have an anti-inflammatory effect, particularly rosehip, devil's claw, ginger and gingko. However, you need to be careful with supplements and check with a pharmacist as some of them may interact with the anti-inflammatories that many people take for arthritis.' Kaler adds: 'Calcium and vitamin K2 may support bone health, which is important in older adults with osteoarthritis. Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, shows some promise for reducing joint pain thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, though the effects tend to be modest and it's not a substitute for medical treatment.' Dr Holden recommends vitamin D supplementation simply because most of us are deficient. She says: 'Vitamin D is important for the immune system, muscle health and bone health, and deficiency can worsen musculoskeletal pain.' Benelam adds: 'Calcium and vitamin D are essential nutrients for bone health and supplements may be prescribed for patients with rheumatoid arthritis taking steroids, which can increase the risk of bone loss and osteoporosis.'
BBC News
07-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Banstead man cycles length of Britain in memory of his late wife
A man who lost his wife to septic shock has completed a charity cycle ride the length of Channevy Walsh, from Banstead, Surrey, was part of a team which rode from Land's End to John O'Groats, completing the 994-mile (1,600km) journey on nine-day ride has so far raised over £35,000 for the UK Sepsis Trust and Versus wife Anne, who was 48, died in September 2024 when she developed the condition after surgery. She also lived with arthritis, and helped the charity Versus Arthritis by reviewing research a condition in which the immune system reacts so violently to an infection it begins to damage its own body, is thought to be responsible for the deaths of five people an hour in the UK.
Telegraph
26-04-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
How to look after arthritic knees
When it comes to osteoarthritis (OA), our knees are most vulnerable; the most complex joints in the body, constructed with four bones and an extensive network of ligaments and muscles, carrying our full body weight. An estimated 5.4 million people in the UK are living with knee OA, but we still don't know the cause. It's not a simple case of 'wear and tear'. Genetics play a role, as well as gender – it's more common and severe in women – and injuries, such as sports injuries earlier in life or hard physical labour. 'At its base level, OA is inflammation of a joint, a cycle of wear and failure of repair,' explains Mr Saket Tibrewal, a consultant trauma and orthopaedic surgeon at the Cromwell Hospital, who specialises in the knee. 'Any joint damage causes inflammation, then you get the release of fluid which carries enzymes which damage the cartilage itself.' Cartilage is the smooth, slippery tissue that cushions the end of our bones to allow them to move freely against each other. The more damaged it becomes, the greater the reaction to further damage – the more fluid, the more enzymes. 'Over time, these cycles get progressively worse.' How can we halt it? Anyone concerned by OA knee pain should first get a diagnosis to establish the state of the joint and, if it is OA, how much cartilage is left. When it comes to self-management, it won't be possible to reverse, but there are steps that might prevent further deterioration and certainly control symptoms. 'If you get it right, you might be able to get through all your active life with a little bit of pain but avoiding surgery,' says David Vaux, the head of therapies and exercise at Arthritis Action and author of Stronger. 'If you get it wrong, and especially if you do too much, you potentially accelerate your journey towards a knee replacement.' So what might help? The best supplements for knee pain Turmeric ' Turmeric is a natural anti-inflammatory,' says Tibrewal. 'I tell my patients to take it and for some, it really works.' Curcumin, one of its active components, has anti-inflammatory properties similar to that of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories and a BMJ review of studies of turmeric or curcumin on knee OA found that all recorded improvements in pain and function. Glucosamine 'This plays a role in building cartilage and might delay it's breakdown,' says Tibrewal. 'Again, not everybody is going to feel a benefit, but some do.' While some research has found that glucosamine reduces OA knee pain, other studies showed little improvement. Chondroitin 'This can nourish the joint and improve cartilage health,' Tibrewal explains. According to the charity Versus Arthritis, chondroitin has been tested in more than 20 randomised controlled trials and many have shown significant clinical benefits in pain reduction. Although, again, evidence is mixed. Vitamin D ' Vitamin D supplements are important for general bone health,' notes Tibrewal. It may also have anti-inflammatory effects and help maintain the immune system. Get the right footwear 'Your knee is affected by everything around it,' says Tibrewal. 'The ankles, hips, back and spine all feed into it. It's one whole chain and little imbalances anywhere can affect the knee. People who are flat-footed, or have an incorrect gait, for example will get good symptom relief by addressing that.' A doctor, occupational therapist, physiotherapist or podiatrist can all give advice here. For those with advanced knee arthritis, Nice guidelines recommend Apos, a foot worn device which looks like a trainer and redistributes pressure in order to reduce pain. (It's also available privately, often covered by medical insurance.) 'Insoles can make a big difference,' says Tibrewal. 'I also use a lot of knee bracing. For people who have a lot of wear in one part of the knee, special braces can push the leg straight and take away the pressure.' Finding the correct footwear is essential. Shoes should have thick soles, enough toe room, and good arch support. 'There should be enough cushioning to reduce the impact when you walk,' says Vaux. Listen to your knees 'Exercise is so important to strengthen the joint but if you feel pain doing something, it's a request for change,' says Vaux. 'Either you did it for too long or it's the wrong exercise for you. Anyone with OA needs to listen to their body and pace themselves far more than the person on the next treadmill or climbing the escalator in front of you who doesn't have OA. It's not fair but it's important to understand that. Exercise, like medicine, requires the correct dose and for that, you need a diagnosis first, and then a schedule where you 'train clever', not hard, doing less exercises but precise ones. We need a little bit of impact for strong bodies, but prolonged impact is detrimental.' How do you know if pain is 'healthy' post-exercise ache or a sign of damage? 'It's normal to have aches after training, but if the knee swells, if you're losing mobility, if it's pain that persists, you need to rest the knee,' Vaux continues. When it comes to training muscles around the knee, Vaux suggests twice a week is enough. 'But that's not a golden rule,' he adds. 'If you train on Monday and by Thursday, your knee is not feeling great, opt for something non-weight bearing, like cycling, or work on your core and upper body.' Lose weight 'Offloading the knee through weight reduction is first and foremost the most effective way to alleviate symptoms,' says Mr Rej Bhumbra, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon on the Knee Team at The London Orthopaedic Clinic. 'Four times our body weight goes through the knee joint, so even if a patient can lose 5kg, that means 20kg less on the knees. That slight change in weight makes a huge difference.' However, it isn't just about weight. 'It's the type of weight you have,' says Bhumbra. 'Is your body distribution more fat-based or muscle-based? Muscle bulk around the knee – good quads and hamstrings – offloads the knee.' Research by the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA) has shown that people with strong quads are less likely to need knee replacements. Sleep well and manage stress 'Sleep is when your body makes its repairs, so prioritise sleep and find ways to manage stress, whether it's breathing protocols or talking therapies or anything else,' says Vaux. Chronic stress and lack of sleep triggers inflammation and potentially exacerbates pain and the cycle of joint damage. 'If you're always in a state of arousal, our sympathetic nervous system keeps us on alert and the counterbalance, our parasympathetic nervous system, doesn't have a chance to help our body relax, recover and repair.' A review of 54 studies on the impact of chronic stress on arthritis, found that 41 showed it to be a risk factor for worsening pain and disease progression. Tailor your diet 'Eat your anti-inflammatories,' says Tibrewal. 'Get your omega-3 from oily fish.' The Mediterranean diet is anti-inflammatory while processed meats, sweets and sugary drinks are linked to higher inflammation. Protein is also important. 'As we age, our ability to absorb protein is reduced so we should be eating a little bit of protein with every meal,' says Vaux. 'The amino acids stored in our skeletal muscular tissue are the repository on which the body draws when recovering from injury and repairing. Stay flexible Synovial fluid, also known as joint fluid, is a thick, lubricating liquid found within the knee joint that reduces friction during movement and nourishes the cartilage and surrounding tissue. 'Joint health depends on a full range of motion in order to get synovial fluid feeding the surface of our articular cartilage,' says Vaux. 'If you lose 10 or 20 per cent of movement, you've lost 10 or 20 per cent of that nourishing fluid getting to those areas and that will accelerate wear and tear. Build in a simple night-time and morning stretch routine – you can do them when you're lying in bed.' These include: Knee rotations Lying on your back with your legs together and knees bent, slowly lower your knees to one side, staying within a comfortable range and not allowing your back to raise up. Bring your knees back to the middle, repeat to the opposite side. Doing so for 2 minutes, this should be slow and rhythmic. Crossover knee push Then cross your right ankle over your left knee. Using your right hand to gently press on your right knee, push your knee away from your body until you feel a slight stretch in your right hip and lower back. Then, gently pull your knee toward your belly button before pushing it away again. Continue this movement for one minute before swapping to the left side and repeat the movement. The best exercises for arthritic knees When it comes to exercise, low impact is important, such as swimming, cycling, cross-training, and rowing machines. 'If you really want to run, if you love to run, I'd recommend grass, not tarmac or treadmill and to limit it, mixing it up with other non-weight bearing cardio,' says Vaux. 'Brisk walking is excellent.' 'For strength training, you want to build all the muscles around your knees as a natural brace for that corseting effect, but you also want to strengthen the connective tissue, your ligaments, and tendons that stabilise the knee joint. Isometric exercises – which involve contracting muscles without moving the joint – are ideal for people with knee OA. They give you a really nice contraction without the impact that we want to avoid.' Static wall sit 'These are great for stabilising our knee joints,' says Vaux. 'Depending on your level, start with a slight bend in the knee leaning against the wall, then hold for 30 seconds. Over time, build up to a minute. When that becomes easier, bend your knees a further five degrees and so on. Build this habit into the dead times of your day, like waiting for the kettle or when you're on hold on your phone. Remember, if it hurts, go higher, or try another exercise.' Static hip bridge 'This is another great isometric exercise that builds tolerance in the muscle and ligaments of the knee,' says Vaux. 'It is also a good alternative if wall-sits make your knees sore.' Lie flat on the floorwith your legs bent. Drive through your heels to push your hips upwards as far as you can go. Slow motion sit down 'When you have got to sit down during the day, do it in slow motion every time to the count of 5 or 6,' says Vaux. 'This is an eccentric contraction and it's gold dust for building stability and preventing knee injuries and the kind of knee pain you experience when walking downstairs.' Alternate single leg box step-ups 'Build up to four sets of 10 on each leg and when that feels easy, put some bottled water into a pack on your back and build up to four sets of 10 again,' says Vaux. Using the staircase is also fine. Walking lunge 'Start with own body weight, building up to four lots of 10 lunges for each leg and when this is too easy, add some water bottles to your backpack and start again,' says Vaux. Single leg balance 'Balancing on one leg can be done anywhere, including waiting for a train or queuing at a check out,' says Vaux. 'Use a sink or table if you need a little more support.' Bouncing 'These are great for balance, muscle and bone health and without the knee impact of jumping,' says Vaux. Facing a desk, a table, kitchen top or sink, hold the surface in front of you with your hands shoulder width apart, bend your knees slightly, with feet shoulder width apart and gently bounce. Keep your back straight and looking up, letting your heels raise up but not letting your toes leave the floor. Start out with 20 bounces and build up to 50 bounces 3-4 times a week. Stronger:10 exercises for a longer healthier life by David Vaux is available now
Daily Mail
22-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Revealed: The miracle treatment that could ease your crippling knee pain and save you from surgery for years
Former Olympic athlete Allison Curbishley used to compete for Britain in the 400m, but by last year she was struggling to even walk a few feet because her right knee was so painful and stiff. Like millions in this country Allison, 48, was suffering with osteoarthritis, when cushioning cartilage in the joint wears away, and doctors were warning her a knee replacement may be her only option. But despite her finding even going down the stairs virtually impossible at times, Allison didn't feel ready to undergo this surgery. 'I knew if I had one [a replacement knee] that young, it would probably need replacing in about 20 years,' says Allison, now a BBC broadcaster who lives near Hexham, Northumberland, with partner Steve Cram, 64, the Olympic silver medallist and athletics commentator. 'But I didn't think I had many other options.' Yet Allison is now back to her former active lifestyle – after having an injection of a gel normally used to treat lame horses. Doctors hope it will delay younger patients needing a knee replacement by years. More than 100,000 people a year in the UK undergo knee replacement surgery. Although the average age for the procedure is 70, around one in six patients are under 60. An artificial joint usually lasts about 20 years. It's hoped the new gel, called Arthrosamid, could postpone when patients need their first knee replacement, potentially avoiding the need for a second one in later years. Called a hydrogel, it is made of water and a porous component called a polyacrylamide, a substance that's not degraded by our immune system so remains in the knee for years, where it calms down inflammation in the synovium, the soft membrane that lines and protects the knee joint. Once the gel is injected, which takes 15 minutes under a local anaesthetic, it gets absorbed by the synovial membrane. Data presented at the European Orthopaedic Research Society meeting in Denmark last year, involving 49 patients with an average age of 70, showed that four years after a single jab of the gel they still had reduced pain and stiffness and improved function of the knee. More than five million people in the UK have knee osteoarthritis, according to the charity Versus Arthritis. It causes cartilage – the tough fibrous material which acts as a shock absorber for our joints – to be worn down to the point where bones rub together. This is not only caused by wear and tear; it is now believed that gender (it's more common in women), obesity and injury to the joint also play a part. 'More people are exercising and active for longer,' says Andrew Pearse, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust. 'Recreational sportspeople have higher rates of injury and therefore are more likely to end up with osteoarthritis.' Treatment usually revolves around controlling the pain and inflammation with drugs such as ibuprofen, or steroid injections into the knee to reduce the swelling. But tens of thousands each year need major surgery to have an artificial knee joint fitted. Allison was forced to retire from athletics after six operations (followed by a further three since retiring) to clean out damaged cartilage floating inside her knee. 'Unfortunately my knee problems have plagued me all through my athletics career,' says Allison. 'By the time I was into my mid-40s there was less and less I could do. I couldn't kneel because my right knee simply wouldn't bend enough to allow that and was too weak for me to ever balance one-legged on it. 'After a long drive I had to flex my knee because it was so stiff. I would wake up in the night as my knee hurt so much, and in the morning I had to warm it up with gentle bending movements.' Painkillers did little to help and in November 2022 her knee had deteriorated so much that her surgeon raised the subject of a joint replacement. 'By this time I was suffering big flare-ups when my knee would lock and leave me in agony,' Allison recalls. But then she heard about the new gel treatment via her physiotherapist. Arthrosamid was developed in Denmark and was first used in 2009 in the veterinary world to treat lameness in horses. Since proving safe for humans, about 15,000 patients across Europe have had the treatment. It's not available on the NHS and private treatment in the UK costs around £2,500. 'It has the potential to be a game-changer,' says Mr Pearse. Meanwhile, a five-year NHS trial was launched last year by Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital and Keele University, involving 61 patients with knee osteoarthritis who were given Arthrosamid. Six months in, researchers reported 76 per cent had reduced pain and improved function. Allison had her injection in July last year and was almost immediately 'walking about without any pain and I had more flexion in my knee', she says. Earlier this year she did her first 5km Park Run in five years. 'At some point I might need a knee replacement but the gel has at least bought me more time before having it,' she says.
