Arthritis is a general term for joint pain or joint disease, with osteoarthritis (wear and tear of the joint cartilage) and rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune condition) being the two most common forms. Symptoms typically include joint pain, stiffness and swelling, often worse first thing in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
Treatment varies by type and severity, but commonly includes pain relief, gentle regular exercise to keep joints mobile, maintaining a healthy weight to reduce joint strain, and in some cases physiotherapy or medication prescribed by a doctor. If you have ongoing joint pain or stiffness, it's worth seeing your GP for a proper diagnosis rather than assuming it's simply "wear and tear".
See also our page on exercise, which plays an important part in managing most forms of arthritis.
Common questions
What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is wear and tear of the joint cartilage, while rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition. Both cause joint pain, stiffness and swelling.
Does exercise help arthritis?
Yes, gentle regular exercise to keep joints mobile is an important part of managing most forms of arthritis.