According to UK based charity Versus Arthritis, over 10 million people in the UK have arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that affects the joints and causes pain, stiffness, and inflammation. It is a common ailment, but one that many people still know little about. In this comprehensive guide, we provide key insights into what arthritis is, who it affects, and how you can manage it. We’ll also explore how chiropractic can help in the management of this condition. 

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is not a single disease but rather a term used to describe over 100 different conditions that affect the joints and surrounding tissues. The two most common types are:

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): This is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, leading to inflammation and damage. RA usually affects multiple joints and can lead to severe disability if left untreated.
2. Osteoarthritis (OA): Osteoarthritis, often referred to as ‘wear and tear’ arthritis, is actually a degenerative joint disease rather than an inflammatory form of arthritis that would typically require autoimmune medication. OA occurs when the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down, causing the bones to rub against each other. It typically affects older adults but can also develop in younger individuals due to injury or overuse.

Other forms include psoriatic arthritis, gout and ankylosing spondylitis.

Who Does Arthritis Affect?

Arthritis can affect anyone; men, women, and even children, but it is more commonly diagnosed in adults.

• Osteoarthritis tends to affect older adults, particularly those over the age of 50, though it can occur in younger people due to injuries, repetitive joint stress or obesity.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis usually develops between the ages of 30 and 60 and is more common in women. Genetics, environmental factors and lifestyle choices can also contribute to the risk of developing RA.

Early Signs of Arthritis

Catching arthritis early is crucial to managing its progression and minimising its impact on daily life. Here are some early warning signs to look out for:

1. Joint Pain: Pain in one or more joints is one of the first symptoms people notice. It might start as an occasional discomfort but can worsen over time, or when the weather is cold and damp.
   
2. Stiffness: This is often most noticeable in the morning or after periods of inactivity. People with arthritis often feel stiff and find it difficult to move their joints freely.
   
3. Swelling: Inflammation of the joints may cause noticeable swelling, which can also make the affected area feel warm to the touch.
   
4. Fatigue: Especially common with rheumatoid arthritis, people often experience tiredness or a general feeling of malaise before joint symptoms become more apparent.
   
5. Reduced Range of Motion: If you find it hard to fully extend your limbs or rotate your joints, this may be a sign of arthritis.

Symptoms of Arthritis  

As arthritis progresses, the symptoms can become more severe and disruptive:

• Chronic pain: Pain can become constant and may worsen on waking, with use of the affected joint or at the end of the day.
• Tenderness: Joints may become tender to the touch, especially after a period of inactivity or during movements.
• Bone spurs: In some cases, particularly in osteoarthritis, the formation of bone spurs (extra bits of bone) around the joint can cause discomfort and limit movement.
• Deformity: In severe cases, joints may become permanently damaged or deformed.

Is Arthritis Short-Term or Long-Term?

Arthritis is typically a long-term, chronic condition that tends to worsen over time. While the symptoms may fluctuate in intensity—sometimes easing for periods before flaring up again—most forms of arthritis require ongoing management. Some cases of arthritis, especially those resulting from infections or trauma, may be temporary and can be resolved with treatment but the vast majority are long-term conditions.

How to Manage Arthritis

While arthritis has no cure, the key to management is to limit or prevent progression over time. There are many ways to manage the symptoms and improve your quality of life:

1. Exercise: Regular, low-impact exercise like swimming, walking, and stretching can help maintain joint mobility and reduce stiffness. Engaging in regular exercise that keeps you active, strengthens muscles, and supports joint health often helps alleviate symptoms.
   
2. Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial, especially for those with osteoarthritis, as excess weight puts added stress on the joints. To help you find out if you are overweight, the NHS provides a healthy weight calculator.
   
3. Medication: Your GP can discuss medications to help relieve arthritis pain. The type of pain relief they suggest will depend on the intensity of your pain and any other health conditions you may have. The primary medications used include:

• Paracetamol
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Opioids
• Capsaicin cream
• Steroid injections
  

4. Diet: A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish and flaxseed), antioxidants (from fruits and vegetables), and low in processed foods can help reduce inflammation.
   
5. Heat and Cold Therapy: Heat can soothe stiff joints, while cold packs can reduce inflammation.
   

How Chiropractic Can Help Manage Arthritis

Chiropractic is a holistic, non-invasive approach to managing arthritis. While it may not cure arthritis, chiropractic treatments can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall joint function. Here’s how:

1. Gentle Spinal Adjustments: Misalignments in the spine can lead to increased stress on the joints. Gentle chiropractic treatments can help restore proper alignment, reducing pressure on arthritic joints, improving mobility, and reducing pain.
   
2. Joint Mobilisation: Gentle manipulation of affected joints can improve range of motion, decrease stiffness, and enhance joint function.
   
3. Soft Tissue Therapy: Chiropractors often use techniques such as massage and trigger point therapy to reduce muscle tension around the joints, improving circulation and reducing inflammation.
   
4. Lifestyle and Nutritional Advice: Chiropractors can guide you on exercises to strengthen muscles around the joints, along with nutritional recommendations that promote joint health and reduce inflammation.
   
5. Pain Management: Chiropractic care emphasises natural pain management techniques, often allowing individuals to reduce their reliance on pain medications.

Embrace an Active Pain-Free Life with Chiropractic Care Clinics

While arthritis is a chronic condition, it doesn’t have to control your life. Early detection, lifestyle adjustments, and effective management strategies can make all the difference in maintaining mobility, reducing pain, and improving your quality of life.

At Chiropractic Care Clinics, your health and well-being is our priority. If you’re struggling with arthritis, contact us today to learn more about how chiropractic can be an integral part of your treatment plan, and start your journey toward a more active, pain-free life.