This World Arthritis Day, learn how to prevent and manage arthritis with practical tips on movement, diet, and physiotherapy. Protect your joints and stay active with DocHQ.
Understanding Arthritis
Arthritis affects more than 10 million people in the UK, making it one of the most common causes of pain and long-term disability. It’s not just “wear and tear” – arthritis includes over 100 conditions that cause joint inflammation, stiffness, and pain. The most common are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.
Osteoarthritis (OA) develops when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears away, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness… most often in the knees, hips, and hands. Learn more about OA in our webinar with DocHQ Medical Director, Dr Nick Fuggle.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition that attacks the lining of the joints, while gout results from uric acid crystals building up in the blood.
Although ageing increases risk, lifestyle factors such as obesity, repetitive strain, poor posture, and past injuries also play a major role. The earlier arthritis is identified, the more effective treatment and self-management can be.
Recognising the Signs
Arthritis symptoms vary by type, but common warning signs include:
- Persistent joint pain or tenderness
- Morning stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Swelling or redness around joints
- A grinding, clicking, or popping sound with movement
If these symptoms last for more than a few weeks, it’s important to seek professional advice. Early physiotherapy and medical care can help protect joint function and prevent further damage.
How to Manage and Prevent Arthritis
There’s no single cure for arthritis, but simple lifestyle changes can reduce pain, improve flexibility, and slow progression.
When to Seek Professional Support
If your pain worsens or affects your quality of life, professional help can make a difference. A GP or physiotherapist can assess joint health, prescribe medications or targeted exercises, and provide guidance on managing flare-ups.
Move Better with DocHQ
At DocHQ, we combine digital physiotherapy with human expertise to make joint care more accessible, supportive, and empowering.
“If a patient can complete a session without confusion, frustration, or pain – and feel proud doing it – the design has succeeded. Our job is to make healing feel human, powered by great physios and guided by intelligent technology.”
Our physiotherapists and digital tools work together to help people with arthritis build strength, confidence, and independence: one movement at a time. Because every step towards better joint health matters!
