{"id":1575,"date":"2019-08-28T23:41:09","date_gmt":"2019-08-28T23:41:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ahmeysclinic.com\/?page_id=1575"},"modified":"2021-08-25T14:10:28","modified_gmt":"2021-08-25T14:10:28","slug":"arthritis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ahmeysclinic.com\/joint-pain\/arthritis\/","title":{"rendered":"Arthritis"},"content":{"rendered":"
Arthritis is a common condition that causes inflammation and pain in one or multiple joints and can affect people of all ages, including children.<\/p>\n
More than ten million people in the UK have arthritis or other, similar conditions that affect the joints. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.<\/p>\n
There is currently no cure for arthritis, but there are many treatments that can help to slow it down and improve quality of life.<\/p>\n
Osteoarthritis affects nearly nine million people and is the most common type of arthritis in the UK. It most commonly affects the joints in the spine, hands, hips, and knees.<\/p>\n
It usually develops in adults who are in their mid-40s or older and is more common in women and people with a family history of the condition.<\/p>\n
However, osteoarthritis can occur at any age and can occur as a result of an injury or be associated with other joint-related conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout.<\/p>\n
This type of arthritis initially affects the smooth cartilage lining of the joint, which makes movement more difficult than usual and leads to pain and stiffness.<\/p>\n
Once the cartilage lining starts to thin out and become rough, the ligaments and tendons have to work harder.<\/p>\n
This strain on the ligaments and tendons can cause swelling and the formation of bony spurs called osteophytes.<\/p>\n
Severe loss of cartilage can lead to bone rubbing on bone and forcing the bone out of its normal position, which can be extremely painful and alters the shape of the joint.<\/p>\n
Rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 40,000 people in the UK. It often starts when a person is between the ages of 40 and 50 years old and is three times more likely to occur in women than men.<\/p>\n
Rheumatoid arthritis causes the body\u2019s immune system to target affected joints, which leads to pain and swelling. The synovium (outer covering) of the joint is the first place affected. This can then spread across the joint, leading to further swelling, a change in the joint\u2019s shape, and even cartilage and bone break down.<\/p>\n
People with this type of arthritis can also develop problems with other organs and connective tissues in the body.<\/p>\n
Arthritis is usually associated with old age, but can also affect children. About 15,000 children and young people in the UK are affected by the condition.<\/p>\n
Most types of childhood arthritis are known as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). JIA causes inflammation and pain in one or more joints for at least six weeks.<\/p>\n
The main types of JIA are Oligo-articular JIA, Polyarticular JIA (polyarthritis), Systemic onset JIA, and Enthesitis-related arthritis.<\/p>\n
The exact cause of JIA is unknown, but the symptoms often improve as the child gets older, meaning they can live a normal life.<\/p>\n
If you are experiencing the symptoms above and think that you or your child may have arthritis, we recommend that you call Ahmeys to book an appointment.<\/p>\n
One of our experts can check your symptoms and conduct tests to confirm a diagnosis and rule out any other problems.<\/p>\n
There are more than 100 different types of arthritis that can affect one or multiple joints.<\/p>\n
The most common cause of arthritis is normal wear and tear of the cartilage due to age. Other causes of cartilage breakdown can be infection, an injury, or a family history of the disease.<\/p>\n
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, which is caused by your immune system attacking the soft tissue in your joints that nourishes cartilage and lubricates the joint.<\/p>\n
The exact cause of this type of immune reaction is unknown, but scientists have discovered genetic markers that increase your risk of developing this type of arthritis.<\/p>\n
If you are concerned that you may have arthritis, call Ahmeys to book an appointment with one of our experts to discuss your symptoms and potential treatments.<\/p>\n
An expert at Ahmeys will review your symptoms and potentially perform the following diagnostic tests:
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Once one of our experts has assessed you, they will discuss treatment options with you. Treatment may also depend on the results of any potential diagnostic tests.<\/p>\n
The main goal of arthritis treatment is to reduce the amount of pain experienced and prevent further damage to the joints.<\/p>\n
Treatment may be dependent on your age, weight, other medical history factors and will certainly be dependent on what type of arthritis you have been diagnosed with.<\/p>\n
One of our experts may combine a combination of treatment methods to improve pain relief, joint function and to help take pressure off sore joints.<\/p>\n
Below are the common treatments that one of our experts may use to treat your arthritis symptoms:<\/p>\n
In some cases, despite medication and physiotherapy, continued damage to the joint can occur. In such cases, you may need surgery to help restore the ability to use the joint.<\/p>\n
Surgery may also be recommended to correct deformities or reduce pain.<\/p>\n
While there is no strong evidence to suggest that specific dietary changes can improve rheumatoid arthritis, some people feel as though their symptoms get worse after eating certain foods.<\/p>\n
It is important to ensure that your diet is healthy and balanced. Some people have found it useful to take vitamin supplements to prevent side effects of medications they are taking related to arthritis.<\/p>\n
Calcium and Vitamin D may help to prevent osteoporosis if you are taking steroids and folic acid supplements may help to prevent some of the side effects of methotrexate.<\/p>\n
There is also some evidence to suggest that taking fish oil supplements may help reduce joint pain and stiffness caused by arthritis.<\/p>\n
Arthritis Arthritis is a common condition that causes inflammation and pain in one or multiple joints and can affect people of all ages, including children. More than ten million people in the UK have arthritis or other, similar conditions that affect the joints. The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1859,"parent":1573,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"yoast_head":"\n