Arthritis sufferers told not to worry about painkiller concerns

People around the UK who are living from day to day with the effects of arthritis have been told that they 'shouldn't panic' about recent research which has suggested a possible link between widely used painkillers for coping with the condition and heart problems.

Professor Colin Baigent, who led the research carried out at the University of Oxford, the results of which were published in esteemed medical journal The Lancet, has been quick to reassure arthritis patients that the study, whilst raising some questions about the potential risks brought on by painkillers such as ibuprofen, is generally very positive about the effects.

As Professor Baigent explains in this article published by the Daily Express, the research is 'empowering patients with information about potential risks', whilst pointing out that the study encourages 'a judgement' for each patient 'about whether the tiny risks are worth it for them for the extra quality of life that they get'.

Devices like stairlifts and homelifts have a major role to play in ensuring the comfort of people living with arthritis and similar conditions, but there is always the worry that their wellbeing could be significantly affected by unwanted side effects created by the pain relieving drugs they take.  

The research in question involved the analysis of over 350,000 arthritis sufferers around country, and suggested that the danger of heart attacks and strokes were notably increased with the regular use of strong painkillers. However, users of chairs for the disabled and elderly should be reassured by the study's detailed results, which revealed that only eight out of 1,000 regular takers of painkillers are likely to experience these kinds of health problems.

Whilst it is never pleasant for people suffering from arthritis or any other such condition to read about treatments they are using which may actually harm their health in other ways, these potential issues do need to be raised in the public domain if they are present, even if they do cause some anxiety, as the risks can then be fully assessed and dealt with wherever possible.

Image credit: Michael Dorausch (flickr.com)