Information and support

Our trusted information blends the latest research and expert advice with a range of lived experiences. Learn about arthritis, explore the different types and treatment options and get practical tips, support and advice to help you manage your condition.

Types of arthritis explained

What is osteoarthritis (OA)?

Osteoarthritis is a common condition which can affect any joint in the body. It’s most likely to affect the joints that carry most of our weight or joints that we use a lot in everyday life. 

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What is psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic (soh-rye-at-ik) arthritis is an auto-immune condition that causes joint pain, swelling and stiffness. You could develop it if you're living with the skin condition psoriasis (soh-rye-a-sis). 

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What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?

Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune condition that causes joint pain and stiffness. This happens when the immune system, our body’s self-defence system, attacks healthy cells.

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Living with arthritis: Why it is important to eat well and keep moving

Keeping active is a key part of living a healthy lifestyle. Find out how regular exercise helps you to manage your weight and put less stress on your joints. 

Living with arthritis
Home and garden: Simple solutions to make everyday tasks easier

There are several useful gadgets and affordable aids and adaptations available that can help you to manage your arthritis symptoms at home and in the garden. 

Home and garden

We have a range of gadgets and equipment that will help you to manage your arthritis symptoms and make living with arthritis easier in our shop. 

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Family of mum living with arthritis, dad and two kids baking together at home

Young people and families living with arthritis

Are you a young person living with arthritis? Or caring for a child with arthritis? We have a Young People and Families hub to help you learn more about the arthritis that affects young people, get one-to-one support and connect with other young people like you. 

Young people and families
Acupuncture complementary therapy for arthritis pain

Complementary treatments: Alternative ways to manage arthritis symptoms

Some people living with arthritis find complementary therapies, such as acupuncture and massage, effective for pain relief and managing arthritis symptoms. Find out what alternative arthritis treatment is available and how it could help you. 

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Arthritis UK information booklets

Order our FREE information booklets

From information about your condition to treatments, surgery, exercise and keeping well, we have a range of information booklets packed full of useful tips and advice that are FREE to download or order by post in our shop. Plus shipping is free too. 

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Need support now?

If you'd like to speak to one of our specially trained advisors, you can call the Arthritis UK helpline: we're ready to take your call Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm (excluding bank holidays). Together we’ll find the way forward. 

Arthritis UK helpline

Louise's story: Living with fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis

“When fatigue hits, for me it’s most noticeable when I try to walk. I describe it as trying to wade through treacle...But if you just keep going and manage it for five to 10 minutes, I often find that it eases.”

Read Louise's story

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Arthritis UK Inspire magazine

Get Inspire magazine delivered to your door for just £3 a month

Created specially for people living with arthritis, every edition of Inspire magazine is packed with expert, in-depth articles and features, covering what matters most to you — all for just £3 a month. 

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