What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is defined as an acute or chronic joint inflammation. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, stiffness, and redness which may contribute to reduced function and dexterity. There are many different types of Arthritis.
Who is affected?
It can affect people of all ages and physical fitness - including children, teenagers and athletes. Some forms of arthritis are more common in older people.
Should I rest or exercise with Arthritis?
Regardless of which type of arthritis you have, remaining physically active and choosing healthy lifestyle behaviours will help you stay mobile and able to participate in activities that are meaningful to you.
Living with Arthritis
Arthritis can make life difficult by reducing mobility and making everyday activities harder to do. It can affect peoples ability to work and aprticipate in social and leisure activities. Arthritis is commonly associated with depression or anxiety.
The symptoms of arthritis can vary from week to week and even from day to day. However, with the right treatment and approach you can manage your symptoms and live well.
Types of Arthritis
There are many different types of arthritis. Some of the most common include:
Osteoarthritis
Gout
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Spondyloarthritis
Symptoms of Arthritis
Athritis affects people in different ways and each condition will have specific symptoms. However, some common joint symptoms are
joint pain
stiffness, especially early in the morning
inflammation (swelling)
warm or red skin over the affected joint
weakness ad loss of muscle mass
Certain types of arthriris can have symptoms not directly related to your joints:
widespread pain
extreme fatigue
scaly, itchy skin (psoriasis)
changes to finger or toe nails
rashes
fever
weight loss
symptoms that affect other body systems, including eyes, heart, lungs and nerves
How physiotherpay can help
It is important to stay active and keep moving when you have arthritis.
Physiotherapists, along side other health professionals, can help you manage your arthritis.
Your physiotherapist will assess your condition and abilities and guide you on how to keep active and help manage your symptoms. Strategies might include:
devising an exercise programme tailored to your needs
building your strength, stamina, mobility and activity levels
helping you find the balance between rest and activity
helping you identify helpful lifestyle choices
supporting you to develop skills to manage pain, swelling, and stiffness
helping you modify activities at work and home
assess you holistically and refer you to other medical professionals as appropriate, such as occupational therapist, psychologist, etc