What is Arthritis?
“Don’t crack your joints, you’ll give yourself arthritis” is a common phrase many people will be familiar with, especially when said in response to cracking one’s knuckles – but what actually is arthritis?
Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of joints, causing inflammation and pain, generally as a result of cartilage breakdown. There are over 100 types of arthritis and similar related rheumatoid and musculoskeletal disease (RMDs), affecting over 10 million people in the UK alone. Both genetic and environmental factors can be responsible for the development of the disease, which does not include the cracking of joints.
Stiffness, pain, impaired mobility and dexterity, and fatigue are the most common outcomes of Arthritis, and the one in six people in the UK affected experience these symptoms as part of their daily reality.
Arthritis diagnoses are on the rise, with Osetheoartitris alone seeing a 113% worldwide increase from 1990 to 2022.
World Arthritis Day 2024
Falling on Saturday the 12th of October, World Arthritis Day 2024 is a global awareness day aiming to provide insight into arthritis and RMDs, including how they affect someone’s entire life and the work of the specialists and rheumatologists who help treat it.
The most common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, though all forms result in pain and swelling in the affected areas. To Mark World Arthritis Day 2024, we’re putting our specialism in mobility aids to use with a round up of the best daily living tools and aids to help those living with arthritis.
Safe and Secure
Compression items such as knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow and wrist supports can all be game changing when dealing with arthritis. The compression keeps swelling down, allowing blood flow to muscles and joints to increase, all while providing extra support to weakened joints to protect them from strain or injury.
Hot or Not?
Both hot and cold treatments can help arthritis in different ways.
- Cold helps combat inflammation
- Heat soothes muscles to relieve stiffness and pain
Having both heated wheat packs and reusable cold compresses to hand at home makes sure you’re ready to combat whatever arthritis throws your way. Hot and cool baths are also a popular home solution.
Getting a Grip
Dexterity and grip strength are often affected by arthritis, making grip tools such as the universal jar and lid opener an everyday necessity.
Losing grip strength can be quite distressing, as our arms and hands often feel like our primary tool for independence and self sufficiency. However it is very common and manageable with the help of a few accommodations and handy living aids.
Rise Up
Riser recliner chairs take the pressure off the knees, lower back, and even elbows when getting in and out of chairs.
Similarly, stairlifts also take pressure off the knees and are a much safer alternative to braving the stairs if you struggle with joint pain and muscular weakness due to arthritis and cartilage breakdown.
Solutions That Work For You
Managing any kind of disability or health condition is all about trial and error to find what works for you.
If you’re interested in exploring mobility solution options, our friendly experts are happy to help you find the right product to suit your needs. Get in touch to find out about our range of products and services, including free home assessments.
You can contact us directly to find out more, or visit our experts in-store in Blackburn, Clitheroe, Chorley, or Leicester to chat in person about your mobility needs and how we can help you meet them.
