Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and swelling in joints. It is said to affect around 10 million people in the U.K. The two most common types are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common type, affecting around 8 million people. It is more common in women, often developing in the late 40s. It can occur as a result of familial history or after damage to a joint. It usually affects the hands, feet, hips and spine. It affects the smooth cartilage lining of a joint, causing it to become rough and thin, resulting in stiff and painful movement. Rheumatoid Arthritis is less common, affecting around 400,000 of the population. It is caused by the body’s own immune system attacking the joints leading to pain, swelling and restricted mobility. Ankylosing spondylitis is another form of arthritis, mainly affecting the spine, leading to stiffness and joints fusing together.
Acupuncture can be a useful tool in managing pain and helping combat some of the side-effects of medication.
There has also been much written about the role of our diet in inflammatory conditions. The best on the market are listed below and are well worth reading if you are looking for extra support in managing your symptoms.
The Autoimmune Solution by Dr Amy Myers
The Paleo Approach by Sarah Ballantyne
The Immune System Recovery Plan by Sarah Blum
The Whole 30 cookbook by Melissa Hartwig