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Arthritis

Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint.

In the UK, more than 10 million people have arthritis or other, similar conditions that affect the joints.

Arthritis affects people of all ages, including children.

Coronavirus advice

If you have arthritis and you're worried about coronavirus, you can get advice about coronavirus and arthritis from Versus Arthritis.

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, affecting nearly 9 million people.

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

Find out more about osteoarthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis

In the UK, rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 400,000 people.

It often starts when a person is between 40 and 50 years old. Women are 3 times more likely to be affected than men.

In rheumatoid arthritis, the body's immune system targets affected joints, which leads to pain and swelling. 

The outer covering (synovium) of the joint is the first place affected.

This can then spread across the joint, leading to further swelling and a change in the joint's shape. This may cause the bone and cartilage to break down.

People with rheumatoid arthritis can also develop problems with other tissues and organs in their body.

Find out more about rheumatoid arthritis

Other types of arthritis and related conditions

  • ankylosing spondylitis – a long-term inflammatory condition that mainly affects the bones, muscles and ligaments of the spine, leading to stiffness and joints fusing together. Other problems can include the swelling of tendons, eyes and large joints
  • cervical spondylosis – also known as degenerative osteoarthritis, cervical spondylitis affects the joints and bones in the neck, which can lead to pain and stiffness
  • fibromyalgia – causes pain in the body's muscles, ligaments and tendons
  • lupus – an autoimmune condition that can affect many different organs and the body's tissues
  • gout – a type of arthritis caused by too much uric acid in the body. This can be left in joints (usually affecting the big toe), but can develop in any joint. It causes intense pain, redness and swelling
  • psoriatic arthritis – an inflammatory joint condition that can affect people with psoriasis
  • enteropathic arthritis – a form of chronic inflammatory arthritis associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the 2 main types being ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. About 1 in 5 people with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis will develop enteropathic arthritis. The most common areas affected by inflammation are the peripheral (limb) joints and the spine
  • reactive arthritis – this can cause inflammation of the joints, eyes and the tube that urine passes through (urethra). It develops shortly after an infection of the bowel, genital tract or, less frequently, after a throat infection
  • secondary arthritis – a type of arthritis that can develop after a joint injury and sometimes occurs many years afterwards
  • polymyalgia rheumatica – a condition that almost always affects people over 50 years of age, where the immune system causes muscle pain and stiffness, usually across the shoulders and tops of the legs. It can also cause joint inflammation

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

Arthritis and children

Arthritis is often associated with older people, but it can also affect children.

In the UK, about 15,000 children and young people are affected by arthritis.

Most types of childhood arthritis are known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

JIA causes pain and inflammation in 1 or more joints for at least 6 weeks.

Although the exact cause of JIA is unknown, the symptoms often improve as a child gets older, meaning they can lead a normal life.

The main types of JIA are:

Oligo-articular JIA

Oligo-articular JIA is the most common type of JIA. It affects up to 4 joints in the body, most commonly in the knees, ankles and wrists.

Oligo-articular JIA often goes away without causing long-term joint damage.

But there's a risk that children with the condition may develop eye problems, so regular eye tests with an eyecare specialist called an ophthalmologist are recommended.

Polyarticular JIA (polyarthritis)

Polyarticular JIA, or polyarthritis, is the second most common type of JIA and affects 5 or more joints.

It can affect a child of any age and may come on suddenly or develop gradually.

The symptoms of polyarticular JIA are similar to the symptoms of adult rheumatoid arthritis.

A child with the condition may also feel unwell and may occasionally have a high temperature of 38C or above.

Systemic onset JIA

Systemic onset JIA begins with symptoms such as a fever, rash, a lack of energy and enlarged glands. Later on, joints can become swollen and inflamed.

Like polyarticular JIA, systemic onset JIA can affect children of any age.

Enthesitis-related arthritis

Enthesitis-related arthritis is a type of juvenile arthritis that often affects the joints of the leg and spine, causing inflammation where the tendons attach to the bone.

It can cause stiffness in the neck and lower back in the teenage years.

It's also linked to a painful eye condition called acute uveitis.

Versus Arthritis has more information about the different types of juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Treating arthritis

There's no cure for arthritis, but there are many treatments that can help slow it down.

Osteoarthritis treatments include lifestyle changes, medicines and surgery.

Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis aims to slow the condition's progress and minimise joint inflammation. This helps prevent joint damage.

Treatments include medication, physiotherapy and surgery.

Further information, help and support

Versus Arthritis provides help and support for people in the UK with arthritis, plus their families and friends.

They have a free helpline you can call for further information and support on 0800 5200 520, Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm.

You can also look up arthritis services near where you live.

Find out more about living with arthritis

Social care and support guide

If you:

  • need help with day-to-day living because of illness or disability
  • care for someone regularly because they're ill, elderly or disabled, including family members

Our guide to care and support explains your options and where you can get support.

HealthUnlocked contains information from NHS Digital, licensed under the current version of the Open Government Licence

  • Posts

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10,625 public posts

? What arthritis

X-rays that I have had previous have shown early signs of arthritis buts it’s getting worse by the day. Can anyone please give me some advise? Thank you x
X-rays that I have had previous have shown early signs of arthritis buts it’s getting worse by the day. Can anyone please give me some advise? Thank you x
Dazakella2010
in Arthritis Action

Ankle arthritis

I haven't been to see anyone with due to covid but I wondered has anyone else had arthritis in the ankle and what do doctors (UK) typically do for it.
I haven't been to see anyone with due to covid but I wondered has anyone else had arthritis in the ankle and what do doctors (UK) typically do for it.
JackyAM
in Arthritis Action

Arthritis pain

I take medication for it I get injections in my neck and back. It helps sometimes and then I have to stretch or do yoga. I do my best to living in pain be happy for my kids and my mom. I hope I find someone that understand me and except me for who I am
I take medication for it I get injections in my neck and back. It helps sometimes and then I have to stretch or do yoga. I do my best to living in pain be happy for my kids and my mom. I hope I find someone that understand me and except me for who I am
Cutiey75
in Cure Arthritis Community
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Arthritis pain

It’s hard living in pain I have my kids. I’m single mom. I miss having someone in my life. I take medication and I get injections I do my best with everything to do with that. My neck and my back. I stretch every day. If I lose some weight I’ll be less pain too so I do my best on the weight
It’s hard living in pain I have my kids. I’m single mom. I miss having someone in my life. I take medication and I get injections I do my best with everything to do with that. My neck and my back. I stretch every day. If I lose some weight I’ll be less pain too so I do my best on the weight
Cutiey75
in Cure Arthritis Community

Arthritis

I have arthritis throughout my body head to toe.
I have arthritis throughout my body head to toe.
DaisyNancy
in Arthritis Action

Arthritis and exercise

Had another mri and the arthritis is moderate to severe around the acriomioclavicular joint (acj) but i also have fraying tendon around it.
Had another mri and the arthritis is moderate to severe around the acriomioclavicular joint (acj) but i also have fraying tendon around it.
Bassman65
in Arthritis Action

Nerve pain & Arthritis

Hi All, It’s been a while since I’ve been on here but I had a few questions relating to inflammatory arthritis. I have been on hydroxychloriquine for about 5 months now.
Hi All, It’s been a while since I’ve been on here but I had a few questions relating to inflammatory arthritis. I have been on hydroxychloriquine for about 5 months now.
BethRidout24
in Arthritis Action

Rheumatoid arthritis- diet

Hello, I've just joined today 🙂 I wanted to ask if anyone has has a positive impact by changing diet or cutting out food groups that has made a difference to the disease? I was diagnosed in summer 2019, have been on benepali for 10 months, caught an infection last month & its sent me into a flare
Hello, I've just joined today 🙂 I wanted to ask if anyone has has a positive impact by changing diet or cutting out food groups that has made a difference to the disease? I was diagnosed in summer 2019, have been on benepali for 10 months, caught an infection last month & its sent me into a flare
Mermaid11
in NRAS

Arthritis surgery

I am about to have surgery for my arthritic foot & have been told that I must stop my medication: methotrexate & salfasalozine, for 2 weeks prior to surgery. I guessing other people have done this? What can I expect pain-wise & what have others done to relieve this?
I am about to have surgery for my arthritic foot & have been told that I must stop my medication: methotrexate & salfasalozine, for 2 weeks prior to surgery. I guessing other people have done this? What can I expect pain-wise & what have others done to relieve this?
KayteP
in NRAS

PMR or Arthritis

I now have some of the symptoms but I don’t know whether it’s a mild case of PMR or a bad case of osteo arthritis. My PMR started in the hips and then spread to the shoulders. My present symptoms are mainly in the hips.
I now have some of the symptoms but I don’t know whether it’s a mild case of PMR or a bad case of osteo arthritis. My PMR started in the hips and then spread to the shoulders. My present symptoms are mainly in the hips.
Crowsfeet
in PMRGCAuk

Supplements

Some years ago the Arthritis and Rheumatism Council - I’m assuming they are now part of another charity now - published a very helpful list of supplements that people have used to help their arthritis, along with survey results and comments on the possible efficacy of the supplements.
Some years ago the Arthritis and Rheumatism Council - I’m assuming they are now part of another charity now - published a very helpful list of supplements that people have used to help their arthritis, along with survey results and comments on the possible efficacy of the supplements.
Happyrosie
in Arthritis Action

Methotrexate

My Rhuemy says I have Rheumatoid Arthritis in my right knee. He has drained fluid from it 3 times. This fluid and pain started immediately, there was no pain until the fluid appeared, is that how rheumatoid arthritis starts? I do not like the side effects of Methotrexate, they look terrible.
My Rhuemy says I have Rheumatoid Arthritis in my right knee. He has drained fluid from it 3 times. This fluid and pain started immediately, there was no pain until the fluid appeared, is that how rheumatoid arthritis starts? I do not like the side effects of Methotrexate, they look terrible.
Sadie1024
in PMRGCAuk

Arthritis in the spine

Also using a hot water bottle really helps as it keeps the muscles and tendons warm which makes moving a lot easier
Also using a hot water bottle really helps as it keeps the muscles and tendons warm which makes moving a lot easier
Darkfae78
in Arthritis Action

Do you work at least 15hrs per week and have inflammatory arthritis? Please consider applying for this clinical trial

Is working with arthritis a problem for you? The University of Salford is looking for volunteers for the WORK WELL study, funded by Versus Arthritis. The study is testing two ways of giving work advice and work rehabilitation for working people with arthritis.
Is working with arthritis a problem for you? The University of Salford is looking for volunteers for the WORK WELL study, funded by Versus Arthritis. The study is testing two ways of giving work advice and work rehabilitation for working people with arthritis.
Shivam-NRASNRAS
in NRAS

Psoriatic arthritis

Hi all... is there anyone one here that has been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis? I had a telephone appointment yesterday with a rheumatologist phycho and he wants to see me face to face as an urgent appointment!! He is suggesting I have psoriatic arthritis.
Hi all... is there anyone one here that has been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis? I had a telephone appointment yesterday with a rheumatologist phycho and he wants to see me face to face as an urgent appointment!! He is suggesting I have psoriatic arthritis.
Dazakella2010
in Arthritis Action

Rheumatoid arthritis

Do you get any relief from rheumatoid arthritis. I am in constant pain in my shoulders hands and knees. I am on my fifth week of hydroxychloroquine. I have cut out a lot of foods .eating healthy . I take paracetamol when the pain get really bad.
Do you get any relief from rheumatoid arthritis. I am in constant pain in my shoulders hands and knees. I am on my fifth week of hydroxychloroquine. I have cut out a lot of foods .eating healthy . I take paracetamol when the pain get really bad.
Indersisive71
in NRAS

Seronegative, what does it mean

From what I can gather it’s a marker on whether you could have arthritis but even having a seronegative result doesn’t mean you don’t have arthritis?
From what I can gather it’s a marker on whether you could have arthritis but even having a seronegative result doesn’t mean you don’t have arthritis?
Garnacha
in NRAS

Outer thigh and buttock pain

I have Fibro, Arthritis,and Scoliosis. At night in bed I tend to have a lot of outer thigh, and buttock pain going round my waist, a long going problem I have had is lower back pain which is down to the Arthritis I think.Does anyone else suffer this?
I have Fibro, Arthritis,and Scoliosis. At night in bed I tend to have a lot of outer thigh, and buttock pain going round my waist, a long going problem I have had is lower back pain which is down to the Arthritis I think.Does anyone else suffer this?
henrythewasp
in Fibromyalgia Action UK

Arthritis drugs may reduce mortality and time in ICU for sickest COVID patients.

.* https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/211514/arthritis-drugs-reduce-mortality-time-icu/
.* https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/211514/arthritis-drugs-reduce-mortality-time-icu/
2greys
in British Lung Foundation

World Arthritis Day

To commemorate World Arthritis Day today 12th October, Arthritis Action has released findings of a survey looking at the impact of covid-19 for people with arthritis in the UK. We found that more than 4 in 5 people with arthritis reported having experienced loneliness.
To commemorate World Arthritis Day today 12th October, Arthritis Action has released findings of a survey looking at the impact of covid-19 for people with arthritis in the UK. We found that more than 4 in 5 people with arthritis reported having experienced loneliness.
arthritis_actionAdministrator
in Arthritis Action
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