Arthritis is an extremely common condition causing pain and inflammation in and around joints, it affects all ages including children..

There are two main types, Osteo and Rheumatoid Arthritis, out of these two osteoarthritis is the most common and affects around 8 million people in the UK alone.

Osteoarthritis usually occurs in the over 50’s but can occur at any age as a result of an injury or trauma to the joint.

It affects the smooth cartilage running between the joint which over time thins causing pain, stiffness and swelling and possibly bony spurs known as osteophytes.

Rheumatoid arthritis currently affects over 400,000 people in the UK. Women are more prone to men suffering this condition which begins between the ages of 40 and 50 years old.

It is a condition where the immune system attacks the joints leading to pain and swelling, this in turn causes the joint to change shape destroying the bone and cartilage.

Symptoms of arthritis include:

• Joint pain

• Tenderness and Stiffness

• Inflammation in and around the joints

• Restricted movement of the joints

• Warm, red skin over the affected joint

• Weakness and muscle wasting