Last updated on June 29th, 2017 at 10:17 am

This week (14 -21 May 2016) is Arthritis Care Week.  During the week, Arthritis Care is raising awareness of what it is like to live with arthritis. The charity speaks out for those with arthritis and what they need and deserve.  It is encouraging people to talk about arthritis, what it means to them, the challenges they face and the triumphs they achieve.

What is arthritis?

‘Arthritis’ means inflammation of the joints.

It is a general term as there are a number of different types.  The most common forms of arthritis are:

Osteoarthritis is where cartilage in the joint becomes thinner and rougher, stopping the joint from moving smoothly.  The bone underneath tries to repair the damage which can overgrow and change the shape of the joint.

Rheumatoid arthritis is where inflammation in the joint causes damage or pain and stiffness.  It usually starts in the hands and feet and can spread to other parts of the body.

Arthritis symptoms

• joint pain, stiffness, redness, tenderness, swelling, warmth & deformity
• fatigue
• loss of joint range of movement

What is it like living with arthritis?

Arthritis is not easy to live with and can affect day to day activities.  Symptoms include pain and stiffness.  This pain can be chronic, and changes in physical appearance and impact on daily life can lead to stress and depression.

There is no cure for arthritis.  Special exercises, joint protection techniques, strategies on how to cope with the pain, pain relief medication and devices can help. Keeping a positive attitude is also important.

Making life easier and safer at home

There are several things that you might be able to do to make life a little easier if you suffer from arthritis. For example:

• Replace your chair if you have difficulty getting out of it, get aches and pains when sitting in it or need cushions to make it comfortable. A chair that suits you is important.
• Change your mattress if it is more than 10 years old or is floppy and saggy – a good mattress should support your body and hold your spine in the correct position.
• Use gadgets such as a buttonhook for fastening buttons, long-handled shoehorns or  a dressing stick to help you get dressed.
• When you are replacing items buy them with large dials or knobs with grips on them.
• Replace switches with pull cords or touch operated switches.
• Wrapping an elastic band around knobs and handles can provide better grip.
• Site electrical sockets higher up so that they are easier to reach.
• Reorganise where you store things so that items regularly used are easy to reach.
• A basket attached to the inside of your letter box will save bending.
• Use a reaching stick, or pick-up stick.
• Remove mats to avoid tripping and make sure stairs and steps are well lit.
• Have two bannisters on the stairs and hand rails near steps.

Petra Heath

You can help raise awareness of arthritis by sharing your own story with Arthritis Care, donating, volunteering or fundraising.  You can also support Arthritis Care’s Thunderclap campaign.  You can also show your support for Arthritis Care Week on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by using the hashtags #GoRuby and #ArthritisMatters!

By Petra Heath, medical negligence solicitor