Arthritis Pain (Overview)

Arthritis is more than just a word people associate with ageing—it’s a real, daily challenge for millions of people. Whether it’s waking up with stiff joints, feeling pain while walking, or struggling to do everyday tasks, arthritis can impact nearly every aspect of life.

But arthritis doesn’t affect everyone the same way. How it feels can depend on your age, body type, gender, lifestyle, and even your weight. Some people live with mild discomfort. Others battle daily pain that interferes with work, sleep, and movement. For many, the pain isn’t just physical—it can affect mental and emotional well-being 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.

Let’s break down what arthritis really is, the different types, symptoms, causes, and how it’s managed.

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a broad term for a group of conditions that cause inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints. It can affect a single joint or multiple joints, and it may also impact surrounding tissues and organs in some types.

• It’s a common condition in the UK, affecting over 10 million people.
• It doesn’t only affect older adults. Children and young people can develop arthritis too.
• While anyone can develop arthritis, women are more likely than men to be affected, especially by autoimmune types like rheumatoid arthritis.

Types of Arthritis

There are more than 100 types of arthritis, but here are the most common:

1. Osteoarthritis

The most common form. It’s caused by wear and tear of the joints over time, leading to cartilage breakdown. It typically affects weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis

An autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks healthy joint tissue, causing inflammation and joint damage. It can affect multiple joints symmetrically and may impact internal organs.

3. Gout

A sudden and severe form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystal buildup in the joints. It often affects the big toe, causing sharp pain, redness, and swelling.

4. Psoriatic Arthritis

This condition affects some people who have psoriasis. It causes joint inflammation and may also lead to skin and nail changes.

5. Ankylosing Spondylitis

A long-term inflammatory arthritis that mainly affects the spine, causing stiffness and pain. Over time, it can cause the spine to fuse.

6. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)

The most common type of arthritis in children. It can affect joint growth and development if not treated early.

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

Symptoms of Arthritis

Symptoms of arthritis include:

• While symptoms vary depending on the type, common signs include:
• Joint pain that can be dull, aching, or sharp
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after inactivity
• Swelling and redness around joints
• Warmth in the affected area
• Reduced mobility or limited range of motion
• In autoimmune forms, fatigue, fever, and even organ involvement

Causes & Risk Factors

Arthritis isn’t caused by just one thing—it develops from a combination of factors:

• Age: Wear and tear increase over time, raising the risk for osteoarthritis.
• Genetics: A family history of arthritis can make you more susceptible.
• Gender: Women are more prone to rheumatoid arthritis and lupus-related joint pain.
• Obesity: Extra weight adds stress to joints, especially in the knees and hips.
• Previous injury: Joint injuries from sports or accidents may increase arthritis risk.
• Autoimmune triggers: In conditions like RA or lupus, the immune system mistakenly attacks joint tissue.

Arthritis Treatment Options

Although there’s currently no cure for arthritis, many treatments can help manage symptoms, improve joint function, and slow progression:

Medications

• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Corticosteroids may be prescribed for more severe flare-ups.
• DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs) help slow autoimmune arthritis like RA.

Lifestyle Changes

• Exercise: Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and yoga strengthen muscles and improve joint flexibility.
• Weight management: Losing excess weight can significantly ease joint pressure.
• Diet: Anti-inflammatory foods (e.g., omega-3-rich fish, fruits, and vegetables) support joint health.

Therapies & Devices

• Heat/cold therapy: Heating pads or cold packs ease stiffness and inflammation.
• Physiotherapy: Helps restore joint mobility and strength.
• Occupational therapy: Teaches ways to protect joints during daily activities.
• Assistive devices: Canes, braces, orthotic shoes, or adaptive tools make movement safer and easier.

Surgical Options

When other treatments don’t work, joint replacement surgery may be recommended—most commonly for hips and knees.

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Living With Arthritis

Living with arthritis is not just about treating the joints—it’s about supporting the whole person. People often benefit from:

• Mental health support
• Chronic pain management strategies
• Support groups and arthritis charities

Understanding arthritis is the first step toward managing it—and living better with it.

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