The word arthritis is used to describe pain, swelling and stiffness in a joint or joints. Arthritis isn’t a single condition and there are several different types:
- Osteoarthritis
- Gout
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Spondyloarthritis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Psoratic Arthritis
- Juveline Idiopathic arthritis
WHO: Around 10 million people in the UK are thought to have arthritis. It can affect people of all ages – even children and teenagers. Some forms of arthritis are more common in older people (osteoarthritis).
CAUSE: It is difficult to say what causes arthritis, there can be several factors that can increase the risk of each type of arthritis. It could be that the genes you inherited from your parents or grandparents made you more likely to get arthritis.
SYMPTOMS: The symptoms of arthritis can vary from week to week, and even from day to day. Many types, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, are long-term conditions.
DIAGNOSIS: An accurate history taking will lead to a diagnosis, we may request further investigations from your GP like x-rays and blood tests if we feel it is required.
TREATMENT:
Treatment may include:
- a programme of specific exercises
- advice on increasing your activity level and avoiding exercise-related injuries
- pain-relief treatments such as heat or ice packs, TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) machines, massage, manipulation, acupuncture or taping
- providing walking aids or splints to help you stay mobile and independent.
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