Arthritis

Arthritis is a broad term for over 100 conditions that cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in one or more joints. It can affect people of all ages and may lead to reduced mobility, redness, and discomfort that interferes with daily activities.

Common types of arthritis include:

• Osteoarthritis (OA): This is the most prevalent type of arthritis. It happens when there is a breakdown of the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones in your joints. This leads to inflammation, cyst formation, pain and swelling. It commonly affects the knees, hips, spine and hands, although other joints can be affected too.
• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): This is an autoimmune disease, where your immune system mistakenly attacks the joint linings, causing pain, swelling and deformation. It typically affects multiple joints, often symmetrically, such as the hands, wrists and feet. As well as affecting the joints, RA causes problems in other body systems and organs.
• Psoriatic arthritis: Linked to psoriasis, an autoimmune condition that causes red, scaly rashes and thickened or pitted nails, psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint. Common sites are the fingers and toes – you may have ‘dactylitis’, when an entire digit swells and reddens.
• Gout: Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. Uric acid occurs as a natural by-product of bodily processes and is normally filtered out by the kidneys. However, if levels become too high, crystals form in the joints (typically the big toe joint) causing inflammation, redness, swelling and severe pain. Over time, the crystals can cause joint damage and can form lumps under the skin called ‘tophi’.

At Good Health Centre, we work with all types of arthritis to help manage symptoms and improve joint function. Your practitioner will create a personalised care plan tailored to your specific condition and will provide exercises and strategies to maintain mobility at home. Although treatment cannot reverse changes in the joint, it can alleviate the pain and stiffness associated with the condition. Our aim is to reduce pain, improve circulation, and keep you moving comfortably for the long term.