Different Types of Arthritis

Arthritis affects around 10 million people in the UK and this can be for people from various age groups. That is 1 in 5 people. The 2 most common forms of Arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage lining of the joint becomes thin. The bones will eventually erode which causes the joints to come together which causes pain. Arthritis makes movement harder and can lead to stiffness and swelling. Osteoarthritis is common with the over 50’s but can happen through injuries at any age.

Rheumatoid Arthritis happens when affected joints are targeted by the body’s immune system which causes swelling and pain. Your joints can also change shape due to this condition. Rheumatoid arthritis affects women 3 time more than men and is likely to occur in the 40 to 50’s age group.

Losing weight can help Arthritis hugely. The lighter you are the less weight you are subjecting your joints to. By cutting down on fats and sugar and increasing the amount of fruit and vegetable that you eat will help you lose weight. Regular exercise will also improve your chances of losing weight.

There are some important minerals and vitamins that will help Arthritis. Calcium – Helps to keep your bones healthy. A lack of Calcium also increases your chance of developing conditions which leads to soft bones. There are lots of calcium enriched milks available which are made from rice, oats or soya.

Dairy products such as cheese, milk and yoghurt and fish which can be eaten with their bones left in like sardines. Vitamin D is required by the body to process and absorb calcium. When your body is exposed to the sun Vitamin D is naturally made. A good source of vitamin D is from oily and fatty fish.

Other food high in Vitamin D are beef liver, egg yolks and mushrooms. Iron – Anaemia is quite common in people with Arthritis so it is important to prevent this by increasing iron intake. Beef and chicken liver and shell fish in particular mussels and clams are high in Iron. Fish chicken and ham are all good sources of iron.  

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