The Importance of Raising Awareness of Arthritis

National Arthritis Week will run from 7th October to 13th October 2024. This critical campaign aims to highlight the difficulties facing people living with arthritis, seeking to raise awareness and deepen understanding of this chronic pain condition. There are numerous types of arthritis including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, psoriatic arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. While arthritis is typically associated with older people, it can affect anyone of any age - including children. 

Over ten million people in the UK are currently living with some form of arthritis. That means that one in six people is living with chronic pain, stiffness, inflamed and/or restricted joints, decreased mobility and the fatigue, stress and frustration that can come with an invisible pain condition.  

“Common forms of arthritis, like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, can cause severe pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, which can significantly reduce mobility and quality of life,” says Tanner Gish, a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) and Director of Operations at Loving Homecare Inc. “Over time, these symptoms can lead to a loss of independence, depression, and isolation, particularly in older adults.”

This National Arthritis Week, we’re helping to spread awareness around the symptoms and effects of arthritis to encourage early diagnosis and treatment. We also want to promote better understanding of arthritis in the wider community so more people are able to support and advocate for those living with arthritis. 

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is an umbrella term for a condition which causes pain and inflammation in the joints. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage - the strong protective tissue which cushions joints and stops them rubbing against bone - starts to wear away. This can cause swelling, tenderness and stiffness in the joint. It can affect any joint, but it is most commonly found in the hands, hips and knees.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system, which helps protect you against viruses and infections, becomes overzealous and starts attacking healthy cells in the joints. This can lead to swelling, stiffness and pain. Overtime, this condition can damage the cartilage, joints and nearby bones.

These are the most common and well known types of arthritis, but there are over 100 different kinds. If you suspect you may have arthritis, please contact your doctor.

Why is it important to raise awareness of arthritis?

“Despite its prevalence, there is often a lack of understanding around the long-term effects of arthritis, particularly in its progressive nature,” says Tanner Gish. “Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial in preventing severe joint damage and maintaining function. Raising awareness during National Arthritis Week helps educate the public on prevention strategies, the importance of regular exercise, weight management, and medical treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy.”

Many people dismiss their arthritis as simply joint pain and so don’t seek a diagnosis. It’s really important that you know what’s going on with your body, because a diagnosis and advice/treatment from a medical professional can help you find ways to manage your condition and improve your experience of daily life. Arthritis isn’t curable, but there are things you can do to decrease the impact it has on you - and it’s hard to do that if you don’t know that you have arthritis.

How can arthritis impact someone’s life?

Each person’s experience of arthritis is unique, but arthritis does have the potential to significantly lower people’s life satisfaction. Arthritis can make it difficult to do everyday tasks that people generally take for granted, like brushing your teeth, getting in or out of a shower or bath, dressing, cooking meals and cleaning. 

It can be physically and mentally exhausting -  and it doesn’t help that being in pain can disrupt your sleep to cause even greater fatigue. Living with a chronic pain condition can take a massive toll on someone's mental health which can then lead to a vicious cycle of low mood or stress, pain and repeat. Living with arthritis can feel frustrating, isolating, infuriating, embarrassing and sad. Arthritis can prevent people from doing things they enjoy and can make everything feel like a struggle. 

Don’t get us wrong: the pain of arthritis can be managed and improved and it’s not all bleak, but we do want to stress how intense the negative feelings associated with arthritis can be, especially during a flare-up.

What can you do to help someone who has arthritis?

If someone you care about is diagnosed with arthritis, you can help support them by educating yourself on their type of arthritis and how it may affect them. If you live with someone who has arthritis and you are able to do so, consider offering them a lift to their doctor’s appointments or offering to help them with household tasks. 

It’s really important for people with arthritis to stay active as this can help strengthen the muscles around the joint to keep them strong and mobile, so consider encouraging them to exercise and thinking of ways to make it more appealing - offer to go for a walk around the forest with them, for example, or suggest going swimming or doing a yoga class at a studio or at home.

Most importantly, brush up on your listening skills. Getting a diagnosis of anything can be upsetting and living with an invisible pain condition is often incredibly frustrating. You may not understand what they are going through and you might not know what to say, but something you can do which may really help is holding space and listening with curiosity, rather than trying to fix the situation or offering advice. Not intuitively knowing what someone needs isn’t an issue - because you can ask them.

Don’t minimise their pain - arthritis is an invisible condition and you don’t know what it feels like to be them. People with arthritis have easier days and harder days. They may not always be up for being social or doing activities, but don’t assume that they don’t want to be included just because of their condition - it can be really upsetting to feel left out. Don’t treat them like a child or try to wrap them in cotton wool - it’s important for people to feel a sense of independence. So while it’s important to offer help when appropriate, listen to what the person tells you and continue to show them respect. 

Chronic pain can be exhausting and it’s natural for someone with arthritis to feel irritable, be sad or want space. It’s not okay for anyone to treat you badly, but do understand that sometimes someone might feel overwhelmed and act out of character. Asking what someone needs, respecting their choices and remembering to also take care of yourself and set your own boundaries are crucial ways that you can maintain healthy relationships.

How can I support someone with arthritis at work?

Many people of working age who have arthritis will want to continue to work. This can help boost self esteem while also ensuring the person is able to support themselves and their families financially, but it can also be really difficult to work when you are in chronic pain. 

If you work with someone who has arthritis - particularly if you are their manager or involved in the company culture - you can make a huge difference by encouraging an open and supportive environment where people are able to ask for adjustments to help make their days easier. A study from 2018 found that one in five of those surveyed had to give up work because of their arthritis, with over 20% reporting feeling guilt or stress from needing to take time off. As an employer, you can help employees with arthritis by being mindful of how their condition affects them and being understanding and flexible in your communication and approach.

They may need special equipment or ergonomic tools to make their lives easier. Working from home or having hybrid options can help people stay in work when getting to and from an office isn’t ideal, and having open conversations about reducing hours or job sharing may also be beneficial. Learn about the government's Access to Work scheme and see if that might be useful. People with arthritis may have to take sick days when they’re experiencing a flare-up and it’s important that they can express this without being afraid that you will get angry or dismissive. 

What would you like to share about arthritis this #NationalArthritisWeek, let us know on Facebook?