Arthritis Home Care Services Westminster, Islington, Kensington, Southwark, Chelsea, Hammersmith, Camden, Fulham, London

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a prevalent, lifelong medical condition characterised by pain and inflammation in the body's joints. There are around 10 million people in the Uk currently suffering from some form of arthritis. 

As a condition, arthritis is most commonly experienced by older people, but more and more children and young adults are becoming affected by arthritis. Roughly 15,000 young people are affected by arthritis in the UK. 

There are several possible causes for developing arthritis, including autoimmune diseases, bacterial infections and broken bones. There are several types of arthritis, but the three most commonly experienced forms are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and juvenile arthritis. 

Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent form of the condition, affecting roughly eight million people in the UK. It is generally found in people over the age of 50; however, it can occur in people of any age, dependent on any secondary joint-related issues or injuries. 

As a degenerative disease, it gradually wears the lining of the cartilage that protects the bones of a joint from rubbing together directly. This will make joint dexterity more difficult. 

As the bones are directly rubbing together, people suffering from this form of arthritis will experience greater pain and joint stiffness levels. There are specific joints in the body that experience osteoarthritis more than others. These joints are those in the hands, knees, hips and spine. 

Juvenile arthritis is a form of condition that affects roughly 15,000 children and young people in the UK. It is a catch-all term for conditions that develop in children and people under 18 related to arthritis. The most prevalent form of arthritis in children is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). 

This form of juvenile arthritis causes inflammation and pain on one or multiple joints for six weeks or more. The range of symptoms for this JIA form of arthritis will generally improve over time. Therefore, children who suffer from this form of arthritis will mostly go on to lead healthy lives. 

Given the various forms that arthritis can take, different people will develop different symptoms. There are, however, common signs that someone may have arthritis. 

These include swelling in and around their joints; painful, stiff and tender joints; warm, red skin around the affected joints; reduced dexterity of the joints and muscle atrophy or weak muscles. 

What Can We Provide Support With?

  Calls in the morning to wake you or your loved one and help to prepare for the day.

  Helping you or your loved one keep on top of the housework, including doing laundry and general cleaning.

  Taking you to the shops or shopping on your behalf, whichever you would prefer.

  Ensuring that your pain or swelling medication is kept up to date and helping you or your loved one to manage your medication schedule 

  Helping you to take part in activities that you enjoy

  Assisting you or your loved one with light exercise to help keep you mobile and improve joint dexterity

  Preparing meals for you or your loved one and helping with feeding when needed

With roughly 10 million people in the UK having arthritis, according to NHS England, arthritis home care is becoming an increasingly requested service. 

For these people, everyday tasks can be extremely difficult or even impossible. Therefore, local assisted living through the care and support services that we at Companions Home Care provide can help alleviate the limitations people living with arthritis experience. Please do not hesitate to get in touch and call our team today. 

We offer practical arthritis care and support in the comfort of your own home, allowing you or your loved one to stay in control of your life and carry on doing the things you love to do. 

Our professional and personally tailored care service aims to improve your quality of life, helping you or your loved one gain independence and fulfilment.