{"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<\/h2>\n

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<\/h2>\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<\/h2>\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

Other types of arthritis<\/span> and related conditions<\/h2>\n