Over time, all forms of arthritis can affect day to day living to some degrees. Stiffness can limit movement; pain and reduced strength can affect balance, the ability to grip and carry and to reach and stretch, to sit comfortably, stand for any length of time or just get around.
There are many forms of arthritis; the most common being Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoporosis.
Osteoporosis affects around 10 million people in the UK. It usually develops gradually. It is more common in women and can occur at any age, although it is seen more often in older people. It affects people differently; from slight stiffness that doesn’t get any worse through to pain in the joints even at rest – and many variables in between.
The most frequently affected joints are in the hands, the spine, knees and hips. It can also affect the shoulders, elbows, wrists, feet and ankles.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a more severe, but less common, form of arthritis than Osteoarthritis. It occurs when the body’s immune system (our natural defence against illness and infection) attacks the affected joints, causing them to be painful and swollen.
Rheumatoid arthritis most commonly affects the small joints in the hands and feet. Ankles, knees and cervical spine (neck) are also often affected. Osteoporosis tends to be a condition of middle age and is more common in women than in men, particularly after the menpause.
Our bones change throughout the course of our lives, but as we age they can become more porous and less dense, resulting in increasing fragility which makes them prone to breaking.
From experience it has been found that many of the practical difficulties in daily life which result from arthritic conditions can be addressed by using independent living products designed to help. They can make a really positive difference in making daily life easier, and the need for them is likely to grow the older we become.
Anyone experiencing any kind of arthritic symptoms should initially seek medical attention.
Alphamarque supply a wide range of products to aid with arthritic conditions, please contact or visit for more information.
