People with arthritis are often suffering more than they need to because GPs have had insufficient training in how to spot the condition, MPs have said.

According to a report by the Commons Public Accounts Committee, one-fifth of referrals to specialists occurs only after eight or more visits.

The committee noted that this situation represents no improvement in care standards since 2003.

It also stated that the average wait for treatment to start is nine months after symptoms begin.

Committee chairman Edward Leigh said this was a particularly notable failing, observing: "It is not widely known that damage to joints as a result of rheumatoid arthritis can be limited by prompt early diagnosis and treatment."

Those suffering from the early stages of arthritis may find that using ultrasound machines to treat the problem helps to ease discomfort.

A combination of daily exercise and eating shellfish - which contains chemicals that promote cartilage repair - can help ease symptoms, according to recent research from experts at the University of Queensland in Australia, published in the journal Arthritis Research and Therapy.