Receiving a diagnosis of arthritis can feel daunting. It’s an area surrounded by myths and misconceptions, and for many, the word alone can sound like a lifelong sentence of pain and limitation. In reality, arthritis is a broad term that simply means inflammation relating to a joint. In some instances, it can present as part of a short-term response to injury or illness; for others, it can be part of a longer-term condition.
What’s important to know is that arthritis is not a single disease. Rather a broad term that covers many different conditions.
Different Types of Arthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is a condition affecting the whole joint, including cartilage, bone, ligaments, and surrounding tissues. While joints naturally undergo age-related changes, factors such as previous injury, genetics, body weight, and lifestyle can accelerate and effect the extent to which these occur. Not everyone will experience symptoms, but for some, OA can contribute to feelings of joint pain, stiffness and a reduced ability to move freely.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) RA is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly targets the lining of its own joints causing heat, pain and swelling. It is usually managed with medication under the review of a rheumatologist and can benefit from the input of various healthcare professionals.
Other forms of arthritis Beyond OA and RA, there are several other conditions that fall under the arthritis umbrella:
- Spondyloarthropathies (a category within seronegative arthritides) include conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, and enteropathic arthritis. They can affect the spine and other joints, often first appearing in early to mid-adulthood, and can be challenging to recognise early.
- Crystal-induced arthritis, such as gout, occurs when crystals form in the joints, causing sudden and often severe pain.
There are additional categories and types of arthritis not listed here, and medical understanding of these conditions continues to evolve. Each type has its own characteristic pattern of symptoms, risk factors, and optimal management strategies based on each condition’s uniquely identified disease process.
The Role of Physiotherapy
The specific type of arthritis is highly relevant because it affects which exercises, how often, and at what intensity are most beneficial for long-term joint health and symptom management. Many forms of arthritis have fluctuating disease activity, so knowing when to pause activity and when to exercise is important. Distinguishing between symptoms that signal the need for a break versus those that respond well to movement can be challenging. Working with a physiotherapist can help guide this process safely and empower you to stay active with confidence.
While rheumatologists and other medical professionals often lead your care. Physiotherapy can help in:
- Tailoring exercise to the individual and their condition
- Guiding safe and effective ways to stay active
- Helping people build confidence to manage symptoms
- Supporting long-term strategies for strength and mobility
Living with arthritis can be challenging. But with the right support including physiotherapy, medication (where needed), and lifestyle modifications these conditions can be very well managed, with a number of high level performers achieving great things while living with some of these conditions.
Eg Caroline Wozniacki, the Danish tennis champion and former World No. 1 publicly open about having rheumatoid
Eg Dan Reynolds, the lead singer of Imagine Dragons, has publicly shared his experience with ankylosing spondylitis
