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There are more than 200 different kinds of arthritis, with symptoms not limited to joint pain and swelling but also including, for some people, fatigue, psoriasis, or even mouth ulcers, depending on the type of arthritis. Its often thought of in terms of painful hands and creaky knees, but the true impact of arthritis on daily life is all too often misunderstood, underestimated and ignored.

The two main types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. The most common symptom in all forms of arthritis is pain.

According to research firm Revealing Reality, who carried out a study for Arthritis Research UK, for many people living with arthritis, dealing with pain is an ongoing battle: eight out of 10 (78%) report experiencing pain most days and almost six out of 10 (57%) suffer with it every day.

As a result, many people have to give up careers or reduce working hours. Likewise, family life can be affected, with fatigue and pain making it difficult to look after children or enjoy moments of intimacy with a partner. The pain and impact caused by arthritis can also lead to mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression.

Its not a problem associated with any one group of people either: while some types of the condition are more common in older people, others can strike at any age. The word arthritis itself just means joint pain, explains Dr Tom Margham, a GP and clinical adviser to Arthritis Research UK. Its not a diagnosis in itself, its a symptom, he says. While there are effective treatments, work to find a cure for the condition is still ongoing.

Osteoarthritis is by far the most common form of arthritis, affecting at least 8 million people in the UK. Though almost anyone can get it, its more common among people who are in their late 40s or older, among women, and in people who are overweight.

It happens when the surfaces within joints become damaged, so the joint doesnt move as smoothly as it should. Joints are living tissue, Margham explains, constantly adapting in the face of stresses and strains. Its about wear and repair: if the balance of wear is bigger than the repair, thats when you start to get symptoms.

In the worst cases of osteoarthritis, cartilage becomes so thin that it no longer covers the ends of the bones, leaving them to rub against each other and wear away. This not only causes considerable pain and stiffness, it affects mobility and dexterity, seriously limiting day-to-day life, for example by making something as simple as getting out of bed, sitting down or climbing the stairs into an arduous task.

But the idea that osteoarthritis is just an inevitable consequence of ageing that cant be helped is a myth, says Margham. Its not a condition that progresses inevitably: there are definitely lots of things that can help, he says. Its largely about trying to restore and maintain normal joint function.

That means exercising and moving the joint to strengthen it and the muscle around it, for instance by doing squats or lunges, even if it seems counter intuitive. One of the things we push really hard for people with osteoarthritis to do is to go against the natural tendency to think: I better not move it, because thats the best way to protect the area. In fact, hurt doesnt necessarily mean harm to the joint, he says.

If people stop moving when they have pain they very quickly become less fit. A colleague of mine says: If you rest, you rust, adds Margham. It doesnt take a gym or any special equipment, you just use your body weight and gravity.

Any doctor will be happy to discuss pain-management options, and its important to do so.

Treatments for osteoarthritis include steroid injections into the joint, occupational or physiotherapy and in severe cases joint replacement surgery. Painkillers, such as paracetamol, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce stiffness and swelling, as well as relieving pain, making it easier to stay active.

Inflammatory conditions are treated by suppressing the immune system a specialist treatment thats usually provided in a hospital outpatient department. Rheumatoid arthritis, estimated to affect more than 400,000 people in the UK, is a common example, with symptoms other than pain and swelling including fatigue, depression, and flu like symptoms.

The thing you need to treat is the pain, adds Margham. We would always say to people: Dont suffer in silence.

Olivia Belle, director of external affairs at Arthritis Research UK, comments: Arthritis, and its effect on individuals, is not well understood. Far from being just inevitable aches and pains, it can actually have a huge impact on peoples lives at any age. But because arthritis is invisible, the condition is underestimated and dismissed by wider society, and so people are not getting the help that they need. At Arthritis Research UK, we are committed to revealing the reality of living with arthritis to help improve the support available.

The rest is here:
What is arthritis? Separate the facts from the fiction - The Guardian

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