There are many types of arthritis. The two most common in the UK are osteoarthritis, affecting about 8 million people, and rheumatoid arthritis, affecting about 400,000.
Osteoarthritis results from the breakdown of the cartilage between joints, whereas rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body’s immune system targets affected joints. Both cause pain – usually in the knees, hips, wrists and hands – making everyday tasks such as opening a door or standing up difficult.
A survey by Revealing Realities for Arthritis Research UK, found 78% of people with arthritis are in pain most days and 57% in pain every day.
This is why the charity is funding a wide variety of research into pain. At the University of Nottingham, for instance, experts are looking into whether fungi living on caterpillars could be used as an osteoarthritis painkiller.
Currently, people with osteoarthritis rely on painkillers, heat/cold therapy, weight management, exercise, steroid injections and, in extreme cases, joint replacement. For rheumatoid arthritis, drugs can dampen the immune system and slow or halt the disease; however, it can be trial and error to find the right drug. In many cases for both conditions, the pain is only dulled and not alleviated.
Olivia Belle, director of external affairs at Arthritis Research UK says: “Millions of people are living with the invisible pain of arthritis, which can make getting through the day very difficult. At the same time as working to find a cure for arthritis, more work needs to be done with researchers and health professionals to find better pain management support.”
Loraine’s story
Loraine Ward is 55 and was diagnosed with osteoarthritis three years ago
When my GP told me I had wear and tear to the base of my spine and osteoarthritis in my right hip, I knew I was in trouble.
So I’ve come up with my own way of dealing with the pain. For instance, I only drive when I have to, as sitting causes me the most pain. I also walk everywhere I can. I run a soft furnishings company, so I’ve adapted how I work, too, no longer carrying heavy rolls of fabric or climbing up ladders.
I take over-the-counter painkillers when I have to, and supplements, and I’ve made changes to my diet to keep my weight down and the pressure off my joints.
I went to my first Glastonbury in June – I’m not going to pretend it wasn’t a struggle. I was in a lot of pain and did everything at a snail’s pace, but I still did it.
Emma’s story
Emma Booth, 40, lives in West Yorkshire and was diagnosed with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis three years ago
My husband, David, has a full-time job in IT, but when he comes home he also helps with the housework and takes care of me. I use walking aids and have trouble with bathing and dressing, so my illness is very hard on him. It’s like a black cloud that’s always above us.
We took the difficult decision a while ago not to have children and I’m on my third treatment in as many years with my pain in constant fluctuation, which means it’s impossible to plan anything.
I’ve had to forget dressing fashionably, instead wearing pull-on clothes as I can’t manage buttons or zips. I can’t wear heels anymore, which really upsets me. Arthritis strips you of your identity, piece by piece. I make a statement with my hair to feel like the “real Emma” as I can’t with my clothes.
David and I belong to a historical re-enactment group; we can camp at events, thanks to my specially made high bed, so I get to spend time outdoors socialising in a way that doesn’t hurt any more than it does to be at home.
You have to get out there and enjoy life as best you can, even if it is exhausting and painful. If I wasn’t doing it for me, I’d be doing it for David. He puts his arms around me when I need a good cry. I’m very lucky to have him.
To find out how arthritis affects us all, please visit: arthritisresearchuk.org/jointproblem
