Osteoarthritis? There's always something that can be done.

Many people with osteoarthritis think that nothing can be done to relieve their painful joints, but self-management can play a major part, a national charity is advising.

Osteoarthritis is by far the most common type of arthritis, affecting at least two million older people in the UK. It occurs when cartilage, the cushioning substance at the ends of bones, wears away, leading to stiff, painful joints.

But while there are still no drugs available that prevent or slow down the progression of osteoarthritis, there are many things that can be done to alleviate the pain according to the Arthritis Research Campaign (arc).

To coincide with its annual awareness week (January 2-7 2007) the charity has produced a list of basic do's and don'ts for people with osteoarthritis who are unsure about how to look after themselves, based on evidence from research. Physiotherapy and exercises to strengthen weak muscles that support joints are particularly important, as they reduce not only pain but also reliance on painkilling drugs such as anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) which can have serious side effects. Other important self-help messages are to lose weight, and to consider non-drug therapies such as acupuncture and glucosamine, which may help relieve pain in some patients.

The charity is also backing a new Department of Health initiative called CATS or Clinical Assessment and Treatment Services, which offer longer consultation times for people with arthritis and are staffed with GPs and physiotherapists with specialist expertise and training. Patients are either treated or referred on to orthopaedic surgeons or hospital specialists. More CATS clinics are expected to be set up within the next 12 months.

arc is running a number of projects aimed at improving GPs' knowledge of arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions, because although one in five visits to the GP is because of arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions, some family doctors are unable to deal very effectively with many types of osteoarthritis.

"Our message to people with osteoarthritis is that there is always something that can be done, and that patients should never suffer in silence and be worried about 'bothering the doctor'," said arc medical director Professor Alan Silman. "GPs are becoming more aware of the need to advise people with osteoarthritis to make lifestyle changes to help themselves, rather than simply dispensing pills."