Types of arthritis
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the 2 most common types of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK.
It most often develops in people in their mid-40s or older.
It’s also more common in women and people with a family history of the condition.
But it can occur at any age as a result of an injury or be associated with other joint-related conditions, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis initially affects the smooth cartilage lining of the joint. This makes movement more difficult than usual, leading to pain and stiffness.
Once the cartilage lining starts to roughen and thin out, the tendons and ligaments have to work harder.
This can cause swelling and the formation of bony spurs called osteophytes.
Severe loss of cartilage can lead to bone rubbing on bone, altering the shape of the joint and forcing the bones out of their normal position.
The most commonly affected joints are those in the:
- hands
- spine
- knees
- hips
- Treating arthritis
- There’s no cure for arthritis, but there are many treatments that can help slow it down.
- Osteoarthritic treatments include lifestyle changes, medicines and or surgery.
- Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis aims to slow the condition’s progress and minimise joint inflammation. This helps prevent joint damage.
- Treatments include medicine,physiotherapy and or surgery.
Symptoms of arthritis
There are lots of different types of arthritis.
The symptoms you experience will vary depending on the type you have.
This is why it’s important to have an accurate diagnosis if you have:
- joint pain, tenderness and stiffness
- inflammation in and around the joints
- restricted movement of the joints
- warm red skin over the affected joint
- weakness and muscle wasting
How can physiotherapy help manage arthritis?
Find a Physio
Exercise can help to manage some of the symptoms of arthritis. Physios provide advice and education on exercise, pain relief and ways to manage your condition. They can teach you how to improve your joint movement and your walking, as well as how to strengthen your muscles.
Your physio may offer exercise in water, at perhaps your local swimming pool. Being active can really help you to stay mobile and independent.
You are also likely to see a physiotherapist before and after a joint operation, such as a total knee (TKR) or total hip (THR) replacement. The physio will help you walk properly and make sure you are recovering well.
What will happen when I see a physiotherapist?
When you see a physio at Ellie Physiotherapy, we will assess your problem and depends on your goals and needs, we may offer physical treatment or exercise plan with life style advice.
How can I help myself?
There are exercises that can reduce joint pain and ways to try and avoid it coming back. Depending on the individual person, changes in your posture and life style may be useful.
Learning how to ‘pace’ yourself will help you to carry on with your usual activities. Pacing yourself means that you keep active without overusing an arthritic joint.
Top tips for arthritis care
- Keep active. Work on keeping your muscles strong and your joints moving
- Maintain a healthy weight, so your body is not too heavy for your joints to carry
- Avoid making an inflamed joint worse
- Get advice on how to manage your condition yourself
- Seek advice to see if walking aids, a support or brace would help
- Good posture will help you carry your body weight evenly, using both your arthritic and non-arthritic joints. Poor posture can cause problems with your healthy joints, as well as your digestion and breathing
- Yo may use cooling packs over painful joints according to manufacturer’s instructions. The area round the joint should have good circulation and don’t leave the pack on for too long