Arthritis Pain (Overview)

Arthritis can be challenging. How you feel depends on your weight, body, age or even gender — it will be different for everyone. For some people, you can’t sleep on the sides and could be in some form of pain often throughout the day. Sure, sitting helps. And the right position. But it’s not a condition that you can beat. Doing physio and yoga and weight management slow it down. Meds help, too.

Arthritis is a common condition that causes joint pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and warmth. It can affect people of all ages, including children, but is more common in women than men. There are several types of arthritis, but the two most common ones are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis.

Other Types of Arthritis

• Gout: Gout is caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in a joint, leading to intense pain and swelling.
• Psoriatic Arthritis: An inflammatory joint condition that can affect people with psoriasis.
• Ankylosing Spondylitis: A long-term inflammatory condition affecting the spine.
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: The most common type of chronic arthritis that affects children.

 Around 10 million people in the UK are affected by arthritis.

Symptoms of arthritis include:

• Pain and stiffness in the joints
• Redness, warmth, or swelling in the joints
• Decreased range of motion in the affected joints
• In some types of arthritis, other organs are also affected

There is no cure for arthritis, but treatments can help limit pain and inflammation and preserve joint function. Treatments include:

Medicines, such as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines or prescription corticosteroids

• Exercise, such as swimming or water aerobics
• Weight reduction
• Heat and cold, such as heating pads or ice packs
• Assistive devices, such as canes, shoe inserts, walkers, or raised toilet seats
• Physical or occupational therapy

Surgery, usually only if nonsurgical treatments don’t relieve symptoms

Risk Factors:

• Family History: A family history of arthritis increases the risk.
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop certain types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
• Age: The risk of developing arthritis increases with age.
• Obesity: Being overweight can increase the risk of osteoarthritis.

Understanding the causes and risk factors can help manage and prevent arthritis.