Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint.
In the UK, more than 10 million people have arthritis or other, similar conditions that affect the joints.
Types of arthritis
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the 2 most common types of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis in the UK, affecting nearly 9 million people.
It most often develops in adults who are in their mid-40s or older.
It’s also more common in women and people with a family history of the condition.
Osteoarthritis initially affects the smooth cartilage lining of the joint. This makes movement more difficult than usual, leading to pain and stiffness.
The most commonly affected joints are those in the:
- hands
- spine
- knees
- hips
Rheumatoid arthritis
In rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system targets affected joints, which leads to pain and swelling.
People with rheumatoid arthritis can also develop problems with other tissues and organs in their body.
Exercise
If your arthritis is painful, you may not feel like exercising. However, being active can help reduce and prevent pain. Regular exercise can also:
- improve your range of movement and joint mobility
- increase muscle strength
- reduce stiffness
- boost your energy
As long as you do the right type and level of exercise for your condition, your arthritis won’t get any worse. Combined with a healthy, balanced diet, regular exercise can help you lose weight and place less strain on your joints.
Based on information found on the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/arhritis/
How can Vista Wellbeing help?
Our team of trained and experienced instructors can identify a programme of exercise which might help those with arthritis. We have a variety of activites and classes (indoor and outdoor) you can choose from
CLICK HERE to get the ball rolling…