Arthritis, derived from Greek for “disease of the joints,” is the chronic or acute inflammation of joints, which is often accompanied by structural damage and pain. In contrast, rheumatism is an informal term used to describe joint diseases or syndromes. Medical literature does not generally use the term rheumatism.
There are more than 100 types of arthritis and related diseases. Two of the most common types are rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). OA is more common than RA. Both involve inflammation in the joints, but RA causes much more inflammation.
Rheumatoid arthritis can be one of the most painful types of arthritis; it affects joints as well as other surrounding tissues, including organs. This inflammatory, autoimmune disease attacks healthy cells by mistake, causing painful swelling in the joints, like hands, wrists and knees.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition, which means it's caused by the immune system attacking healthy body tissue. However, it's not yet known what triggers this. Your immune system normally makes antibodies that attack bacteria and viruses, helping to fight infection.
Normally, your immune system helps protect your body from infection and disease. In rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system attacks healthy tissue in your joints. It can also cause medical problems with your heart, lungs, nerves, eyes and skin.
Although there's no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, early treatment and support (including medicine, lifestyle changes, supportive treatments and surgery) can reduce the risk of joint damage and limit the impact of the condition. Your treatment will usually involve care from your GP and several different specialists.
Many people may wonder is arthritis a disability. Yes. Arthritis can prompt incapacity, as can numerous other mental and physical conditions. If your arthritis confines your daily movements, or activities you may qualify for disability benefits.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps cover the extra costs you may face if you need help taking part in everyday life or find it difficult to get around. It is an important benefit for people with arthritis.
Osteoarthritis (OA) can be crippling if untreated as it disintegrates the cartilage that supports the joints of the spine, knees, hands, and spine. This causes debilitating pain because the bones start rubbing against one another.
RA is symmetrical, where a patient feels symptoms in the same spot on both sides of the body, often in the joints in the feet and hands. Osteoarthritis, in contrast, begins in an isolated joint, often in the knee, fingers, hands, spine and hips. While both sides may hurt, one side is more painful.
When you have rheumatoid arthritis, your symptoms -- including joint pain and swelling -- can come and go. The times when you feel better and your symptoms are under control are called "remission." The goal of your RA treatment is remission. It can make you feel like your RA has gone away -- at least for a while.
To develop a diagnosis, a doctor will likely take a medical history, conduct a physical exam, and order X-rays or other imaging tests. Your doctor may also order a: rheumatoid factor test. anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide test.
Studies indicate that exercise will not worsen rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. But if rheumatoid arthritis has severely damaged your hips or knees, you may want to choose low-impact exercises, such as swimming, water aerobics, walking or bicycling.
You may be eligible for a blue badge, meaning you can park closer to where you need to go. If you claim benefits like Attendance Allowance or Personal Independence Payment, or you have difficulty getting around because of your arthritis, then this will support your application.
If you're struggling to work because you have arthritis, you may be able to claim government benefits or get help through financial support schemes.
4.10 The Moving around activity considers a claimant's physical ability to get around without severe discomfort such as breathlessness, pain or fatigue. The activity considers the claimant's ability to stand and then move up to 20 metres, up to 50 metres, up to 200 metres and over 200 metres.
Many people with arthritis say fatigue is one of their biggest challenges. Fatigue can be linked to many types of arthritis and related conditions. It's commonly a symptom of autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, reactive arthritis and lupus.
You can get Personal Independence Payment ( PIP ) if all of the following apply to you: you're 16 or over. you have a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability. you have difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around.
Winter weather is often to blame for arthritis pain. While cold weather does not cause arthritis, it can exacerbate it. This pain occurs because your body is more sensitive to pain when it gets cold. The cold slows blood circulation and can cause muscle spasms, according to the Arthritis Foundation.
For people with RA, vitamin D can have additional benefits. RA is an autoimmune disease, and vitamin D plays a role in the immune system. People with RA also have high levels of inflammation, and vitamin D helps decrease that.
Curcumin, the active ingredient in the spice turmeric, may improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Research suggests it is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and neuroprotective. You can consume turmeric as a spice, in tea, or as a supplement.
Stress can trigger flare-ups of RA, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) . Flare-ups of RA can also: increase your risk of joint damage.