What is rheumatoid arthritis, what are the symptoms of Paddy McGuinness’ condition and what other types are there?
Arthritis affects around 10 million people of all ages across the UK
AROUND 10 million people in the UK suffer every day with the symptoms of arthritis.
The disease affects people of all ages, including children, with Paddy McGuinness the latest celebrity to reveal they are battling the condition.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint.
It affects around 10 million people in the UK alone.
And while it is more common in older people it can affect anyone at any age - including children.
The two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
What is rheumatoid arthritis?
This form of arthritis affects more than 400,000 in the UK and often starts when a person is between 40 and 50 years-old.
Women are three times more likely to be affected than men.
Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body's immune system targets affected joints, which leads to pain and swelling.
What has Paddy McGuinness said about arthritis?
The Take Me Out presenter recently revealed he is suffering from arthritis, aged just 44.
Paddy posted a photo on Instagram showing him having treatment for the condition.
He has been having ultrasound steroid injections in his shoulder, with a photo showing him pointing to a large plaster on his right shoulder.
The photo was captioned: "Morning! Nursing a poorly shoulder today. I had an ultra sound steroid injection in it yesterday.
"The reason, arthritis? I’m 44! #knackered #shoulderfrigged."
What is osteoarthritis?
This is the most common type and according to the NHS, affects around eight million people in the UK.
In most cases, it develops in adults who are aged in their late 40s or older.
It is also more common in women and those who have a family history of the condition.
Though it can occur at any age as a result of an injury.
Osteoarthritis initially affects the smooth cartilage lining of the joint.
This makes movement more difficult than usual, leading to pain and stiffness.
Most commonly affected joints are:
- Hands
- Spine
- Knees
- Hips
What are the signs of arthritis?
Symptoms of arthritis can vary on the type you have.
It is important to see your doctor and get an accurate diagnosis if you have:
- Joint pain, tenderness and stiffness
- Inflammation in and around the joints
- Restricted movement of the joints
- Warm, red skin over the affected joint
- Weakness and muscle wasting
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Is arthritis treatable?
There is no cure for arthritis but there are treatments which can help to slow the condition down.
For osteoarthritis, there are painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids drugs which can be prescribed.
In severe cases, a number of surgical procedures could be recommended such as joint replacement or joint fusion.
Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis aims to slow down the condition's progress and minimise joint inflammation or swelling.
This includes painkillers, physiotherapy and regular exercise.