World arthritis awareness day - 12th of October
Arthritis affects around 350 million people worldwide. In the UK, 1 in 6 people have arthritis and it is the biggest cause of pain and disability. As there are over 100 types of arthritis, World Arthritis Awareness day is to raise awareness of the realities of daily life when living with arthritis or other related musculoskeletal conditions.
1 in 6 people in the UK have arthritis
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, such as the knees, knuckles and wrists. It is a condition which can cause damage to your joints, which are places in your body where two bones meet. With age, joints naturally wear down which can cause arthritis from the lifelong wear and tear of joints. Some types of arthritis are caused after an injury to that joint. Other types are caused by a specific health condition, such as psoriasis or lupus. Arthritis can cause tissue degeneration or inflammation or both.
There are over 100 types of arthritis, but with the most common 5 different subcategories are:
Degenerative arthritis caused by wear-and-tear breakdown of joint cartilage
Inflammatory / autoimmune arthritis, this is when the immune system mistakenly attacks joint cartilage.
Metabolic arthritis which is caused by the buildup of sharp crystals in joints
Infectious arthritis, this is triggered by a bacteria, viral or fungal infection entering a joint.
Juvenile arthritis which is chronic joint inflammation affecting people under the age of 16.
Who is affected by arthritis?
Anyone can be affected by arthritis, but it is more common in older adults as their joints have experienced more wear. Although both women and men are affected by it, women have a higher chance of developing arthritis. Arthritis can be genetically passed down the generations, so it can be important to understand your family history if you have some of the symptoms of arthritis.
What are symptoms of arthritis?
Joint pain
Joint stiffness or reduced range of motion
Swelling
Skin discolouration
Tenderness around a joint
Feeling heat near your joints
Different treatment options for arthritis?
Although there is currently no cure for arthritis it can be managed using both acute medicines such as pain killers and other specific drugs. These can help target and try to stop your immune system from attacking healthy joints.
There are more holistic approaches to treating arthritis, which can consist of taking herbal medications and supplements; some of the most common are turmeric and omega-3 (fish oil) as they can sometimes help with inflammation.
Physical therapy is key to treating arthritis. Often with arthritis, when you stop using a specific muscle, you lose that movement and getting back this movement can be challenging or impossible.
For more serious cases where these treatment options haven’t had a positive effect, surgical procedures are also available for some types of arthritis.
Arthritis prevention
Although it is not possible to prevent arthritis, there are some preventative measures which can decrease your risk of developing some types of arthritis. The most important measure that you can take is regular exercise. This can be adapted to what is manageable for you, whether this is standing up and sitting back down or going for a long run. Stretching regularly and getting routine health check ups to make sure your joints are healthy.
Because arthritis is an umbrella term which over 100 different types come under, it is vital to find information specific to the type of arthritis which is relevant to you as each type has different causes, pain hotspots, and treatment options. |
How to raise awareness for arthritis?
Do your own research using a trusted source, such as the NHS or an arthritis charity.
Spread awareness using your social media
Do a sponsored activity to raise money for an arthritis charity, funding research or helping people suffering from arthritis
If any friends or family suffer from arthritis, then check in with them and ask if there is anything you can do to help.
Where to get support if you are struggling?
Your first point of contact should be the NHS as they can refer you to a specialist team who will better understand the condition, medication and other treatment options.
For further support there are many arthritis charities, some broadly for any arthritis and some for specific types of arthritis. Cards for Bravery can also offer support for young people and their families suffering from arthritis. Some examples of these are:
References
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