From keeping a healthy weight to reducing stress – how to treat arthritis

NEARLY ten million people in the UK suffer with arthritis – a condition that causes pain, stiffness and swelling in joints.

There are two main types. Osteoarthritis affects around nine million people, and rheumatoid arthritis affects 400,000.

This week marks National Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Week.

Dr Wendy Holden, medical adviser for Arthritis Action and an honorary consultant rheumatologist, said: “Osteoarthritis happens when there is damage to the joints and usually affects people over the age of 45.

“Then there is inflammatory arthritis. This is where the body’s immune system starts targeting joints, leading to pain and swelling.

The most common type of this is rheumatoid arthritis.

“In both cases, nobody really knows why it happens but rheumatoid arthritis does run in families.

“Osteoarthritis can also be hereditary but it is more common in people who are overweight or who have suffered a sports injury.”

Symptoms include joint pain, tenderness and stiffness.

There can also be restricted movements of the joints, warm red skin over the affected joint, weakness and muscle-wasting.

There is no cure, but some treatments can slow it down.

Treatments for rheumatoid arthritis include medication, physiotherapy and surgery.

Osteoarthritis can sometimes be improved by lifestyle changes.

Dr Holden says: “Guidelines suggest lifestyle factors may be more important than medication for many cases.

“Keeping to a healthy weight is important. For every 1lb you put on, that is 4lb of weight pressing on your joints, so losing a little bit of weight, even a few pounds, can make a huge difference.

“Reducing stress and having a good night’s sleep also help with pain management.”