Health A-Z: Arthritis and joint care
Arthritis causes pain and inflammation in a joint. It affects around 10 million of us in the UK and doesn’t just affect the elderly – people of all ages, including children, can develop the condition.
There are more than 100 types of arthritis – the most common being osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and related conditions. You may experience mild symptoms that come on slowly, or suffer sudden, intense pain within a few hours. You might develop the classic signs of joint pain, swelling and stiffness, or health problems that seem unrelated, like fatigue or a rash. The symptoms can come and go over time.
It’s easy to ignore early signs of arthritis thinking it’s the result of over-activity or a part of ageing. But it’s important to see your doctor if you’re experiencing ongoing joint pain. Although there is no cure, treatments can help slow down the condition and early diagnosis is vital.