Pain barrier

ARTHRITIC aches and pains are something you might expect after retirement, but not as a young person.

But while it’s true that osteoarthritis (OA) is linked to age, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is completely different.

Known as ‘wear and tear’ arthritis, OA is extremely common and usually occurs in the over-50s as joints become inflamed, stiff and painful, often due to the muscles and ligaments supporting them being ‘worn’ down over the years.

RA, by contrast, is an auto-immune condition, which means the body’s immune system begins attacking healthy tissue.

It causes inflammation in the synovial capsule around the joints, which leads to pain and swelling. RA is systemic, which means it affects many parts of the body, cause extreme fatigue and flu-like symptoms, and heart, lung and eye problems related to inflammation.

Genetic factors may increase a person’s chances of developing RA, though having a family member with the condition doesn’t automatically mean you’ll have it too — and it’s believed that a virus, trauma or extreme stress may sometimes act as triggers.

RA is three times more common in women than men, and experts suspect hormones may be involved.

Experiencing periods of remission, where symptoms become less severe or disappear completely, is quite common and, though there’s no cure, treatments are available.

Arthritis Ireland CEO John Church says: “It is normal to feel powerless and isolated when joint pain, stiffness and swelling begins to prevent people from doing even the most basic, everyday tasks. However, it is possible to effectively manage arthritis.”

Treatments can help control symptoms, slow the disease’s development, and minimise joint damage, including disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate. If DMARDs aren’t suitable, biologic medicines, which target chemicals that cause inflammation, may be prescribed.

Anti-inflammatory corticosteroids may also be given, particularly during a flare-up and, in very severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be needed.

RA affects the whole body. People might struggle to open jars, pick things up or even walk. Exhaustion is an ongoing issue.

One in five Irish people are affected by arthritis. Consultant rheumatologist, David Kane advises: “If a person is experiencing painful stiff and swollen joints, it could be an early sign of arthritis and I would urge them to visit their doctor and get in touch with Arthritis Ireland.”

* In response to a recent awareness campaign, more than 4,000 online and phone requests for the information pack have been made. To get your free pack, contact Arthritis Ireland 1850 911 995. www.arthritisireland.ie