Arthritis Awareness Month | Ableworld Help and Advice

PRODUCT SEARCH

SHOPPING BASKET

Your basket is empty

Arthritis Awareness Month

This entry was posted in General May 20, 2022

Arthritis Awareness Month

Arthritis is a common condition. Yet while many older individuals face pain, limited mobility, and other challenges related to arthritis, there's still much to be learned about this condition. 

To help raise awareness, Ableworld is joining other healthcare organisations to recognise Arthritis Awareness Month this May. Here, we'll take a close look at this condition, its symptoms, and what you or loved ones can do to minimise its effects.

What is Arthritis?

There are thought to be 10 million people with some form of arthritis in the UK. It is the most common cause of disability and it can affect people of all ages not just older people. The word "arthritis" means 'inflammation in the joints'. Inflammation can be thought of as being like a bruise with swelling on the inside of the joints, and this can cause pain and stiffness.

The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis. This is often wrongly called "wear and tear" arthritis and is more common in older people. 

In a joint with osteoarthritis, minor injury triggers the body's healing process. This can cause the build-up of fluid inside the joint and the formation of new bone leading to swelling. Chemicals in the joint fluid can lead to thinning of the joint cartilage. One reason for the pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis is thought to be due to nerve endings in and around the joint becoming more sensitive. These nerve endings can sometimes become more sensitive and can then continue to cause pain, even when the original cause of pain has settled.

The next most common types of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, where the immune system attacks the joints, causing swelling, pain and stiffness, and gout which is caused by crystals of uric acid irritating the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis and gout are two examples of "inflammatory arthritis" but there are many other forms.

Did you know?

  • Women are three times more likely to be affected than men
  • Arthritis can sometimes run in families, especially rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis of the fingers
  • People with arthritis claim their joints can predict the weather
  • Broccoli and cauliflower are known to help prevent the development of arthritis
  • Drinking tea could lower your risk of getting arthritis

For many, increased physical activity can improve functioning and reduce pain by up to 40%. It's recommended that adults with arthritis should get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week or about 30 minutes of birks walking five days a week. For those who cannot walk for 30 minutes, short 10-minute walks throughout the day also help.

Arthritis Awareness Month is a great time to learn more about arthritis, how it affects the people in your life, and what can be done to support them. At Ableworld, we have numerous supports available designed to help those people with arthritis. 

Back to the top

PRODUCT SEARCH

SHOPPING BASKET

Your basket is empty