{"id":130,"date":"2026-04-27T12:31:20","date_gmt":"2026-04-27T12:31:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arthritisandfarmers.wp.worc.ac.uk\/?page_id=130"},"modified":"2026-04-29T17:19:16","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T17:19:16","slug":"what-is-arthritis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/arthritisandfarmers.wp.worc.ac.uk\/?page_id=130","title":{"rendered":"What is Arthritis?"},"content":{"rendered":"<nav class=\"is-responsive wp-block-navigation is-layout-flex wp-block-navigation-is-layout-flex\" aria-label=\"Navigation\" \n\t\t data-wp-interactive=\"core\/navigation\" data-wp-context='{\"overlayOpenedBy\":{\"click\":false,\"hover\":false,\"focus\":false},\"type\":\"overlay\",\"roleAttribute\":\"\",\"ariaLabel\":\"Menu\"}'><button aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Open menu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-open\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.openMenuOnClick\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\"\n\t\t\t><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M4 7.5h16v1.5H4z\"><\/path><path d=\"M4 15h16v1.5H4z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container\"  id=\"modal-1\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-class--has-modal-open=\"state.isMenuOpen\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-class--is-menu-open=\"state.isMenuOpen\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-watch=\"callbacks.initMenu\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--focusout=\"actions.handleMenuFocusout\"\n\t\t\t\ttabindex=\"-1\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-close\" tabindex=\"-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-dialog\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-modal=\"state.ariaModal\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--aria-label=\"state.ariaLabel\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-bind--role=\"state.roleAttribute\"\n\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button aria-label=\"Close menu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-close\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--click=\"actions.closeMenuOnClick\"\n\t\t\t><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"m13.06 12 6.47-6.47-1.06-1.06L12 10.94 5.53 4.47 4.47 5.53 10.94 12l-6.47 6.47 1.06 1.06L12 13.06l6.47 6.47 1.06-1.06L13.06 12Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-content\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-watch=\"callbacks.focusFirstElement\"\n\t\t\t id=\"modal-1-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-navigation__container is-responsive wp-block-navigation\"><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/arthritisandfarmers.wp.worc.ac.uk\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Home<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/arthritisandfarmers.wp.worc.ac.uk\/?page_id=130\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">What is Arthritis?<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/arthritisandfarmers.wp.worc.ac.uk\/?page_id=126\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Your Help<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/arthritisandfarmers.wp.worc.ac.uk\/?page_id=10\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">The Team<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/arthritisandfarmers.wp.worc.ac.uk\/?page_id=29\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Study Funders<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/arthritisandfarmers.wp.worc.ac.uk\/?page_id=267\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Events<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/arthritisandfarmers.wp.worc.ac.uk\/?page_id=24\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Contact Us<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/nav>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"522\" src=\"https:\/\/arthritisandfarmers.wp.worc.ac.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/farmersThumb-1024x522.png\" alt=\"thumb - arthritis in the thumb\" class=\"wp-image-141\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arthritisandfarmers.wp.worc.ac.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/farmersThumb-1024x522.png 1024w, https:\/\/arthritisandfarmers.wp.worc.ac.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/farmersThumb-300x153.png 300w, https:\/\/arthritisandfarmers.wp.worc.ac.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/farmersThumb-768x392.png 768w, https:\/\/arthritisandfarmers.wp.worc.ac.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/farmersThumb-1536x783.png 1536w, https:\/\/arthritisandfarmers.wp.worc.ac.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/farmersThumb-2048x1044.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><br>The term arthritis covers a range of conditions that effect the joints and connective tissue, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis as well as axial spondyloarthritis, crystal arthritis (eg. gout) and psoriatic arthritis. Arthritis may also be a symptom of other conditions such as lupus. Arthritis UK (2025) estimate that in the UK over 10 million people live with osteoarthritis (OA) and 450k adults (with a recorded diagnosis) are living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Osteoarthritis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Osteoarthritis causes the joints to become stiff and sore, which creates problems moving a joint. It can affect any joint but is mostly found in knees, hips and hands. Symptoms may include: swelling, tenderness or a cracking sound when moving an affected joint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"317\" src=\"https:\/\/arthritisandfarmers.wp.worc.ac.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/osteoarthritis-affected-joint-600x380-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-224\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arthritisandfarmers.wp.worc.ac.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/osteoarthritis-affected-joint-600x380-1.jpg 500w, https:\/\/arthritisandfarmers.wp.worc.ac.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/osteoarthritis-affected-joint-600x380-1-300x190.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.arthritis-uk.org\/information-and-support\/understanding-arthritis\/conditions\/arthritis\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.arthritis-uk.org\/information-and-support\/understanding-arthritis\/conditions\/arthritis\/\">Arthritis UK<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Osteoarthritis is caused when the protective cartilage around bones in joints, starts to break down creating pain and swelling in an affected joint. Bony growths known as osteophytes develop as can an increase in fluid in the joint, these cause redness and swelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">The reason for osteoarthritis is unknown but several factors may increase a person\u2019s likelihood of developing it: joint injuries, another preexisting joint issue such a rheumatoid arthritis or gout, aging, weight, family history and gender (women are more likely to develop the condition).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rheumatoid Arthritis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune condition which creates pain, swelling, warmth, redness and stiffness in the joints. Our immune system usually protects us, however for those with an auto-immune condition such as rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system attacks healthy tissue such as in joints and creates inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"500\" height=\"317\" src=\"https:\/\/arthritisandfarmers.wp.worc.ac.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/rheumatoid-arthritis-affected-joint-600x380-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-223\" style=\"width:500px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arthritisandfarmers.wp.worc.ac.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/rheumatoid-arthritis-affected-joint-600x380-1.jpg 500w, https:\/\/arthritisandfarmers.wp.worc.ac.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/rheumatoid-arthritis-affected-joint-600x380-1-300x190.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Image credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.arthritis-uk.org\/information-and-support\/understanding-arthritis\/conditions\/arthritis\/\">Arthritis UK <\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">When the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, chemicals are released which damage the bones, cartilage, tendons and ligaments. Without treatment the joint will lose its shape and become misaliged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">It is not known what triggers the immune system to attack healthy tissue in the joints. However there some factors which may increase a person\u2019s risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, family history (small risk), hormones as the condition is more common in women than in men, and being a smoker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>If you suspect you are developing or have developed arthritis of either type, it is advised that you see your doctor as soon as possible.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Sources:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Arthritis UK (2025) <em>The State of Musculoskeletal Health 2025 Arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions in numbers.<\/em> [Report]. Available at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.arthritis-uk.org\/media\/flpbvm2m\/arthritisuk_state_of_msk_health_-report_2025.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.arthritis-uk.org\/media\/flpbvm2m\/arthritisuk_state_of_msk_health_-report_2025.pdf<\/a><br><br>Arthritis UK (nd) <em>What is Arthritis? <\/em>Available at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.arthritis-uk.org\/information-and-support\/understanding-arthritis\/conditions\/arthritis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.arthritis-uk.org\/information-and-support\/understanding-arthritis\/conditions\/arthritis\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">NHS (2023)<em>Overview Osteoarthritis<\/em> .Available at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/o.steoarthritis\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/o.steoarthritis<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">NHS (2023) <em>Overview Rheumatoid Arthritis.<\/em> Available at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/rheumatoid-arthritis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/rheumatoid-arthritis\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\">Page created 28 April 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The term arthritis covers a range of conditions that effect the joints and connective tissue, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis as well as axial spondyloarthritis, crystal arthritis (eg. gout) and psoriatic arthritis. Arthritis may also be a symptom of other conditions such as lupus. Arthritis UK (2025) estimate that in the UK over 10 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-130","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/arthritisandfarmers.wp.worc.ac.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/130","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/arthritisandfarmers.wp.worc.ac.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/arthritisandfarmers.wp.worc.ac.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arthritisandfarmers.wp.worc.ac.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/arthritisandfarmers.wp.worc.ac.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=130"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/arthritisandfarmers.wp.worc.ac.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/130\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":261,"href":"https:\/\/arthritisandfarmers.wp.worc.ac.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/130\/revisions\/261"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/arthritisandfarmers.wp.worc.ac.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=130"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}