What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is not a single disease — it is an umbrella term for more than 100 different conditions that cause pain, inflammation, and stiffness in the joints. The word "arthritis" comes from the Greek words for joint (arthron) and inflammation (itis). It is one of the most common chronic conditions in the UK, affecting over 10 million people.
Types of Arthritis
The two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, but there are many others, including:
- Psoriatic arthritis — linked to the skin condition psoriasis
- Gout — caused by uric acid crystal build-up in joints
- Ankylosing spondylitis — affects the spine
- Reactive arthritis — triggered by an infection elsewhere in the body
- Lupus arthritis
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis — affects children
Common Symptoms
- Joint pain and tenderness
- Stiffness — especially in the morning
- Swelling and warmth around joints
- Reduced range of movement
- Redness over the joint
- Fatigue
Managing Arthritis
Treatment depends on the type of arthritis. General strategies include regular low-impact exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, taking prescribed medications, physiotherapy, and in severe cases, surgery. Many people with arthritis also benefit from occupational therapy to help adapt daily activities and reduce strain on joints.
Can Arthritis Be Prevented?
Not all types of arthritis can be prevented, but you can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, protecting joints from injury, not smoking, and eating a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods.