Arthritis

Arthritis is a broad term for conditions that affect the joints. Depending on the type, surrounding tissues and other parts of the body may also be affected. Arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, reduced movement and other symptoms, including fatigue. Arthritis is a long-term condition with no cure but its impact can be reduced through self-management.

Arthritis affects everyone differently. Symptoms may be persistent or fluctuate, and some people experience periods when their symptoms become more difficult to manage. Pain, fatigue and difficulties with movement or dexterity are not always apparent to other people.

Appropriate healthcare, support and inclusive environments can help people manage their condition, participate in daily life and reduce barriers. Experiences and support requirements vary considerably between individuals.

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Arthritis can be non-apparent

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What is arthritis?

Arthritis is not a single condition. It is a term used for many conditions that affect the joints. Depending on the type, tissues around the joints and other parts of the body can also be affected.

Common experiences include joint pain, stiffness, swelling and difficulty moving affected joints. Some inflammatory forms of arthritis can also cause fatigue and affect other parts of the body.

The impact of arthritis varies considerably. Some people experience relatively mild or intermittent symptoms, while others experience persistent pain, fatigue, reduced mobility or difficulties carrying out particular activities.

Symptoms may also fluctuate. Someone may be able to do something on one day but find the same activity more difficult on another.

What causes arthritis?

There is no single cause of arthritis because different types develop in different ways.

Osteoarthritis affects the whole joint, including the tissues around it. Factors associated with developing osteoarthritis include older age, previous joint injury, genetics and other health or joint-related factors. Osteoarthritis is not simply the result of joints being “worn out”.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory condition in which the immune system becomes overactive. The exact reasons these conditions develop are not fully understood.

Gout develops when urate builds up in the body and crystals form in and around a joint, causing inflammation.

The exact causes of immflammatory forms of arthritis, including juvenile idiopathic arthritis, are not fully understood.

Causes and risk factors differ between types of arthritis. Assumptions should not be made about why someone has arthritis based on their age, appearance, body weight or lifestyle.

Types of arthritis

There are many different forms of arthritis. Some of the main types include:

• Osteoarthritis – the most common form of arthritis. It affects the whole joint and commonly affects the knees, hips, hands and spine. It can cause pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced movement.
• Rheumatoid arthritis – a chronic autoimmune condition that causes inflammation, pain, swelling and stiffness in joints. It commonly affects the hands, wrists and feet and can also affect other parts of the body.
• Psoriatic arthritis – an inflammatory condition associated with psoriasis. It can affect joints and the areas where tendons and ligaments attach to bones. Most people who develop psoriatic arthritis already have psoriasis, although joint symptoms can sometimes appear first.
• Gout – a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by urate crystals forming in and around joints. It can cause sudden flares of intense pain and swelling, commonly affecting the big toe or another joint in the lower limb.
• Axial spondyloarthritis – a form of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, where the spine joins the pelvis. It includes ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) – a broad term for several forms of arthritis affecting children. It is the most common type of long-term arthritis affecting children.

These are some of the main forms of arthritis rather than a complete list. Knowing someone's diagnosis does not tell you exactly how the condition affects them. People with the same type of arthritis can have very different symptoms and support requirements.

Common symptoms and signs

Symptoms vary depending on the type of arthritis and the parts of the body affected.

Pain and stiffness:

• Pain in one or more joints
• Joint stiffness
• Tenderness around affected joints
• Symptoms that may be persistent or fluctuate over time

Movement and dexterity:

• Reduced movement in affected joints
• Changes in grip strength or hand movement
• Difficulty walking or moving comfortably
• Difficulty with tasks requiring fine motor skills

Other experiences:

• Swelling or warmth around affected joints
• Fatigue or reduced energy, particularly with some inflammatory forms of arthritis
• Sleep disruption associated with pain or stiffness
• Symptoms affecting other parts of the body with some inflammatory forms of arthritis

Not everyone will experience all of these. Symptoms can present differently between individuals and may change over time.

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Look out for these Sunflower icons

People may choose the Sunflower icons that reflect their individual support requirements. Not everyone with arthritis will need the same support.

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