Arthritis is a common condition that causes painful joints and affects approximately 10 million people in the UK. It is an illness that cannot be cured, but there are treatments that can help to slow down its progress and make the disorder more manageable.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis affects around 8 million individuals in the UK, and onset normally occurs in people over the age of 50. However certain injuries or joint problems can mean that younger people are affected. In osteoarthritis the cartilage between bones erodes, leading to joints rubbing together. The condition causes pain and stiffness in joints, and difficulty with movement. The areas of the body most commonly affected are the hands, knees, hips and spine.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis affects over 400,000 individuals in the UK, and is more common in women than it is in men. Onset occurs when the immune system targets specific joints, leading to pain and swelling. It begins in the outer covering of the joint and spreads, causing joints to change shape and swell. This then leads to bones and cartilage breaking down. Rheumatoid arthritis mostly affects the hands, feet and wrists, but people with this type of arthritis may also develop problems in other tissues and organs in the body.
Symptoms
Although there are a number of well-known symptoms of arthritis, they do differ depending on the type. If you are experiencing symptoms your doctor will be able to advise on the type of arthritis you are suffering from.
Visit your doctor if you experience any of the following:
- Joint pain, tenderness and swelling
- Inflammation surrounding joints
- Difficulty moving joints
- Muscle weakness
- Warm red skin over joints
Treatment
Arthritis cannot be completely cured, but steps can be taken to slow progress and manage the condition. Speaking to your doctor will ensure you are given the right kind of treatment.
The main treatments available are:
- Painkillers, prescribed by your doctor
- Physiotherapy
- Exercise
Exercise the pain away
If you suffer from arthritis, the last thing you will want to do is exercise, especially during bouts of pain and stiffness. However, maintaining an active lifestyle and taking part in regular exercise will help to reduce pain and stiffness, as well as improve joint mobility and increase muscle strength. Becoming more active will also allow you to shift any excess weight, and therefore reduce strain on your joints.
If you do not want to join a gym, there are lots of other ways you can become more active at home:
- Walking as much as possible
- Gardening
- Doing housework (e.g. mopping the floor)
Arthritis Care advises three types of exercises for arthritis sufferers. It’s important to speak with your doctor before carrying out any of the exercises, because each different type of arthritis will need to be treated slightly differently.
See also: Wound Care for Legs and Feet
Range of Movement
Range of movement exercises take joints through their comfortable range of movement and then slightly further. They are a good way to maintain flexibility, preserve good posture, and improve strength. ROM exercises should be carried out daily, and are great for easing symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
ROM exercise for hips
- Stand upright and hold onto a table or chair. Slowly sway your leg forwards and backwards, and repeat for other leg.
ROM exercise for feet and ankles
- Sit with feet facing upwards and toes pointed, bend feet up and down, wriggle toes up and down and stretch them out, move feet in clockwise motion then backwards in anti-clockwise motion.
Strengthening
Strengthening exercises are important to strengthen the muscles that support your joints. Having strong muscles can make carrying out everyday exercises like walking up the stairs a lot easier.
Strengthening exercise for your hands and wrists
- Begin by resting one arm palm-down on your thigh. Try to lift your hand while resisting the movement by putting your other hand on top. Repeat with hands the opposite way round.
Strengthening exercises for the back
- Lay on your back with feet flat on the floor and knees bent. Bring one knee up and hold it to your chest for 10 seconds. Let go and repeat with other leg.
Aerobic
Aerobic exercise is any movement that raises your heart rate, and helps muscles become more efficient, strengthens bones and burns calories, which encourages weight loss.
The best forms of aerobic exercise for individuals with arthritis are:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Dancing (e.g. ballroom or jazz)
- Yoga
- Pilates
