JOINT FIX
DR ROD HUGHES, is a consultant rheumatologist at St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey, Surrey
The word arthritis simply means inflammation of the joints. There are around 20 different types of the disease, however osteoarthritis – which arises from natural wear and tear of a joint – is generally what we mean by the term. Osteoarthritis is by far the most common form of the condition, affecting around 60 per cent of people over the age of 50 in at least one joint. It occurs more frequently in women – particularly around the menopause when a drop in oestrogen levels can lead to an acceleration of inflammation in the joints. Any joint can be affected, but the condition typically occurs in the neck, back and shoulders, hips, knees and hands.
The symptoms of osteoarthritis are joint swelling (though this may not always be visible) and stiffness, that usually becomes more painful as the day progresses. There can be a genetic link, so if one of your parents has it you could find you have similar issues, although there are other factors. If you’re particularly sporty or you’ve had injuries in the past, you’re more likely to be affected by osteoarthritis, for example.
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