Joint solution for getting moving

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, affecting more than two million Australians.¹ The condition affects the whole joint, including bone, cartilage, ligaments and muscles. Although often described as ‘wear and tear’, OA is now thought to be the result of a joint working especially hard to repair itself.²

While there is currently no cure for OA, there are treatments that can effectively control symptoms. Last month, Retail Pharmacy explored the role of diet in arthritis management. Another lifestyle change often recommended to OA sufferers is an exercise program tailored to the individual’s condition and ability.

Exercise keeps joints and muscles healthy and flexible and prevents other health problems. But what if your patient is feeling too ‘stiff’ to get moving?

Topical gels 

Pronat Group Australia Director Peter Smith says certain products can provide temporary relief of symptoms commonly associated with mild OA or other kinds of arthritis.

“Common symptoms associated with mild arthritis include joint pain, stiffness and reduced joint mobility and flexibility,” he said.

“Products like fisiocrem Joint Ease assist arthritis sufferers by helping to promote healthy joint mobility by relieving mild joint stiffness, mild joint pain and soreness and by helping sufferers maintain joint flexibility.

“As these products assist in providing temporary pain relief, people can keep moving and participate in their everyday activities and tasks with the people they love.³

Fisiocrem Joint Ease is a discrete, low-odour topical gel that is easy to apply. The product combines the clinically demonstrated power of fisiocrem Solugel with two additional botanical actives to provide more than just pain relief, says Mr Smith.

“It has been scientifically formulated specifically for the temporary relief of symptoms of mild osteoarthritis, mild arthritis and joint pain, and is designed to provide ongoing joint comfort,” he said.

Botanical actives 

Mr Smith outlines the plant-based ingredients used in fisiocrem Joint Ease:

• Arnica Montana (also called leopard’s or wolf’s bane). “Well-established scientific evidence supports its usefulness in the healing of minor muscle injuries and bruises.”
• Calendula officinalis (also called pot or garden marigold). “It can be beneficial in relieving symptoms of soft tissue trauma and supporting body tissue regeneration and repair.”
• Hypericum perforatum (also called St John’s wort). “Well-established scientific evidence supports its use in relieving mild swelling, bruise pain and assisting in the healing of minor tissue injuries.”
• Melaleuca alternifolia (also called tea tree oil). “It can help to relieve inflammation and helps to enhance the dermal penetration of the other active constituents.”
• Menthol “Helps to relieve pain and to stimulate blood flow to the skin, it’s especially useful for relief of muscle pain and soreness.”

Boswellia Serrata gum resin extract. “Rich in Boswellic acids that are likely to be responsible for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, it’s been shown to be particularly beneficial in helping to relieve symptoms of mild rheumatic disease such as joint aches and pains and stiffness, and helps to promote healthy joint function.”

Nigella sativa oil (also called black seed oil). “Well-established scientific and clinical evidence indicates that it can help to moderate the symptoms of mild arthritis/mild osteoarthritis, providing relief from aches, pains and soreness. Thymoquinone has been described as the main active constituent, and is likely responsible for its as anti-inflammatory and joint protective effects.”

Building on brand recognition 

The fisiocrem brand is well-established and has a strong reputation in the muscle pain category. As the brand extends into joint pain with fisiocrem Joint Ease, the brand will expand its marketing activities nationally and continue to support all practitioner conferences and work with key governing bodies, such as state arthritis associations.

“Fisiocrem Joint Ease has already been approved and added to most major pharmacy retailer group planograms and will be on-shelf across Australia within the coming weeks,” Mr Smith said.

“It will be promoted alongside our hero product, fisiocrem Solugel, within pharmacy catalogues and a national campaign is set to roll out in the new year.”

Monitoring joint pain 

With the growing range of OTC joint pain products available to sufferers, it’s important for pharmacy staff to remind customers to monitor their symptoms and know when to seek further treatment.

The Arthritis Foundation advises pharmacy staff to be alert for the below signs and symptoms:

• Pain, swelling or stiffness in one or more joints.

• Joints that are red or warm to the touch.
• Joint tenderness or stiffness.
• Difficulty moving a joint or undertaking daily activities.
• Joint symptoms that cause concern.

Sufferers should make an appointment with their doctor if they have any of the following:

• Joint symptoms that last three days or more.
• Several episodes of joint symptoms within a month.⁴

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. 

References 

1. arthritisnsw.org.au/about-arthritis/arthritis-statistics/#:~:text=3.9%20million%20Australians%20have%20arthritis,5.4%20million%20Australians%20with%20arthritis.
2. arthritisnsw.org.au/about-arthritis/types-of-arthritis/osteoarthritis/
3. ebs.tga.gov.au/servlet/xmlmillr6?dbid=ebs/PublicHTML/pdfStore.nsf&docid=384978&agid=%28PrintDetailsPublic%29&actionid=1
4. arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/when-joint-pain-means-its-time

This feature was originally published in the November issue of Retail Pharmacy magazine.