Arthritis

Arthritis  Illnesses and conditions Muscle, bone and joints Conditions Arthritis Arthritis About arthritis Living with arthritis About arthritis Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint. In the UK, around 10 million people have arthritis. It affects peopleof all ages, including children (see below). Types of arthritis The two most common types of arthritis are: osteoarthritis rheumatoid arthritis Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK, affecting around 8 million people. It most often develops inadults who are in their late 40s or older. Its also more common in women andpeople with a family history ofthe condition.However, it can occur at any age as a result of an injury or be associated with otherjoint-related conditions, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis initially affects the smooth cartilage lining of the joint. This makes movement more difficult than usual, leading to pain and stiffness. Once the cartilage lining starts to roughen and thin out, the tendons and ligaments have to work harder. This can cause swelling and the formation of bony spurs, called osteophytes. Severe loss of cartilage can lead to bone rubbing on bone, altering the shape of the joint and forcing the bones out of their normal position. The most commonly affected jointsare those in the: hands spine knees hips Rheumatoid arthritis In the UK, rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 400,000 people. It often starts when a person is between 40 and 50 years old. Women are three times more likely to be affected than men. Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis are two different conditions. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the bodys immune system targets affected joints, which leads to pain and swelling. The outer covering (synovium) of the joint is the first place affected. This can then spread across the joint, leading to further swelling and a change in the joints shape. Thismay cause thebone and cartilage to break down. People with rheumatoid arthritis can also develop problems with other tissues and organs in their body. Other types of arthritis and related conditions Ankylosing spondylitis  a long-term inflammatorycondition that mainly affects the bones, muscles and ligaments of the spine, leading to stiffness and joints fusing together.Other problems can include the swelling of tendons, eyes and large joints. Cervical spondylosis  also known as degenerative osteoarthritis, cervical spondylitis affects the joints and bones in the neck, which can lead to pain and stiffness. Fibromyalgia  causes pain in the bodys muscles, ligaments and tendons. Lupus  an autoimmune condition that can affect many different organs and the bodys tissues. Gout  a type of arthritis caused by too much uric acid in the body. This can be left in joints (usually affecting the big toe) but can develop in any joint. It causes intense pain, rednessand swelling. Psoriatic arthritis  an inflammatory joint condition that can affect people with psoriasis . Enteropathic arthritis  a form of chronic, inflammatory arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the two best-known types being ulcerative colitis and Crohns disease . About one infive people with Crohns or ulcerative colitis will develop enteropathic arthritis. The most common areas affected by inflammation arethe peripheral (limb) joints and the spine. Reactive arthritis  this can cause inflammation of the joints, eyes and urethra (the tube that urine passes through).It develops shortly after an infection of the bowel, genital tract or, less frequently, after a throat infection. Secondary arthritis  a type of arthritis that can develop after a joint injury and sometimes occurs many years afterwards. Polymyalgia rheumatica  a condition that almost always affects people over 50 years of age, where the immune system causes muscle pain andstiffness, usually across the shoulders and tops of the legs. It can also causejoint inflammation. Symptoms of arthritis Thesymptoms of arthritis you experience will vary depending on the type you have. This is why its important to have an accurate diagnosis if you have: joint pain, tenderness and stiffness inflammation in and around the joints restricted movement of thejoints warm, red skin over the affected joint weakness andmuscle wasting Arthritis and children Arthritis is often associated with older people, butit can alsoaffect children. In the UK, about 15,000 children and young people are affected by arthritis. Most types of childhood arthritis are known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). JIA causes pain andinflammation in one or more joints for at least six weeks. Although the exact cause of JIA isunknown, the symptoms often improve as a child gets older, meaning they can lead a normal life. The main types of JIA are discussed below. Arthritis Research UK has more information about the different types of juvenile idiopathic arthritis . Oligo-articular JIA Oligo-articular JIA is the most common type of JIA. It affects fewer than five joints in the bodymost commonly in the knees, ankles and wrists. Oligo-articular JIA has good recovery rates and long-term effects are rare. However, theres a risk that childrenwith the condition may develop eye problems, so regulareyetests with an ophthalmologist (eye care specialist) are recommended. Polyarticular JIA (polyarthritis) Polyarticular JIA, or polyarthritis, affects five or more joints. It can develop at any age during childhood. The symptoms of polyarticular JIA are similar to the symptoms of adult rheumatoid arthritis . The condition is often accompanied by a rash and a high temperature of 38C (100.4F) or above. Systemic onset JIA Systemic onset JIA begins with symptoms such as a fever, rash, lethargy (a lack of energy) and enlarged glands. Later on, joints canbecome swollen and inflamed. Like polyarticular JIA, systemic onset JIA can affect children of any age. Enthesitis-related arthritis Enthesitis-related arthritis is a type of juvenile arthritis that affects older boys or teenagers. It can cause pain in the soles of the feet and around the knee and hip joints, where the ligaments attach to the bone. Treating arthritis Theres no cure for arthritis, but there are many treatments that can help slow down the condition. For osteoarthritis, medications are often prescribed, including: painkillers non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) corticosteroids In severe cases, the following surgical procedures may be recommended: arthroplasty (joint replacement) arthodesis (joint fusion) osteotomy (where abone is cut and re-aligned) Treatment forrheumatoid arthritis aimsto slow down the conditions progress and minimise joint inflammation or swelling. This isto try and prevent damage to the joints. Recommended treatments include: analgesics (painkillers) disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)a combination of treatments is often recommended physiotherapy regular exercise Read moreabout how rheumatoid arthritisis treated . Living with arthritis Living with arthritis isnt easy and carrying out simple, everyday tasks can often be painful and difficult. However, there are many things you can do to make sure you live a healthy lifestyle.A range of services and benefits are also available. Work Many people with arthritis want to continue working for many reasons, including betterfinancial security and higher self-esteem. Better treatment options have helped to ensure that many people return to work after being diagnosed with arthritis.This is particularly the case if arthritis is diagnosed and treated at an early stage. You may find work challenging, but your employer should help you with the training and support you need. Help is also available if your arthritis is so severe that youre unable to work. Find out more about the Personal Independence Payment (formerly known as the Disability Living Allowance). Healthy eating Its very important to eat ahealthy, balanceddiet if you have arthritis. Eating healthily will give you all the nutrients you need and help you maintain a healthy weight. Your diet should consist of a variety of foods from all5 foodgroups. These are: fruit and vegetables starchy foods  like bread, rice, potatoes and pasta meat, fish,eggs and beans milk and dairy foods foods containing fat and sugar Further informationabout how to have a healthy, balanced diet . Weight If youre overweight, losing weight can really help you cope with arthritis. Too much weight places excess pressure on the joints in your hips, knees, ankles and feet, leading to increased pain and mobility problems. Further informationabouthow you can lose weight. Exercise If your arthritis is painful, you may not feel like exercising. However, being active can help reduce and prevent pain. Regular exercisecan also: improve your range of movement and joint mobility increase muscle strength reduce stiffness boost your energy As long as you do the right type and level of exercise for your condition, your arthritis wont get any worse. Combined with a healthy, balanced diet (see above), regular exercise willhelp you lose weight and place less strain on your joints. Your GP can advise about the type and level of exercise thats right for you. Versus Arthritis also has further information about exercising with arthritis . Joint care If you have arthritis, its important to look after your joints so theres no further damage. For example, try to reduce the stress on your joints while carrying out everyday tasks like moving and lifting. Sometips for protecting your joints,particularly if you have arthritis, include: use larger, stronger joints as levers for example,take the pressure of opening a heavy door on your shoulder rather than on your hand use several joints to spread the weight of an object for example, use both hands to carry your shopping or distribute the weight evenly in a shoulder bag or rucksack dont grip too tightly grip as looselyas possible or use a padded handleto widen your grip Its also important toavoid sitting in the same position for long periods of time and to take regular breaks so you can move around. At home If you have arthritis, carrying out tasks around the home can be a challenge. However, making some practical changes to your home and changing the way you work should make things easier. Practical tips that could help include: keeping things in easyreach using a hand rail to help you get up and down the stairs using long-handled tools to pick things up or to clean fitting levers totaps to make them easier to turn using electric kitchen equipment,like tin openers, when preparing food Versus Arthritis has further information and tips for living with arthritis . Occupational therapy An occupational therapist can help if you have severearthritis thats affecting your ability to move around your home and carry out everyday tasks,like cooking and cleaning. They can advise about equipment you may need to help you live independently. Depending on the exact nature of your condition, your GP may be able to refer you to an NHS occupational therapist. However, you may need to access this type of therapy through your local council. Find your local council Further information about occupational therapy . Telecare Self-Check online tool Visit the Telecare Self-Check online tool to find the right support for you in your area. This easy to use online tool allows you to find helpful information on telecare services that could help you live independently at home for longer.