It is estimated that around 10 million people have arthritis in the UK today.
Arthritis is a group of conditions that can affect people of all ages and often cause joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness.
Some people suffer from joint inflammation, combined with restricted mobility, which leads to weakness and muscle wasting.
There are about 100 different known types of arthritis, the most common of which are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that cannot currently be cured, and most people experience “flares” of pain, inflammation, swelling, and reduced joint movement. It is symmetrical in that when a joint on one side of the body is affected, the joint on the other side is also showing symptoms.
While there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, early diagnosis and treatment can help relieve symptoms. Consuming high-quality herbal joint supplement such as this from Five Ele can help manage arthritis pain.
There are more than 400,000 people affected in the UK today, usually starting in people between the ages of 40 and 50, with women three times more likely to be affected than men.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the UK and affects an estimated 8.5 million people.
In osteoarthritis, the cartilage between the bones gradually disappears, resulting in painful rubbing of bone against bone in the joints. The joints most affected are the hands, spine, knees, and hips.
Osteoarthritis often develops in over 50 years of age, but it can occur at any age due to injury or other related joint conditions.
Common causes are:
1. Age – Wear and tear plays a role in the occurrence of osteoarthritis. The older you are, the more your joints are used. Although your risk factor increases with age, it is not inevitable that you will suffer from it.
2. Obesity – The heavier you are, the more pressure your body puts on your joints. The hips and knees in particular bear the burden of being overweight. Scientists also believe that excess body fat causes chemicals to move around the body, which can lead to joint damage.
3. Injuries or Overuse – Athletes or people who do repetitive jobs that require the same movement over and over (typists, machine operators) are at greater risk of developing osteoarthritis because they are used more often and put stress on their joints.
4. Genetics – Inherited abnormalities in the bones that affect the shape or stability of a joint can lead to osteoarthritis, although it is not a certainty.
Osteoarthritis tends to develop slowly, starting with pain and stiffness, which are more of an inconvenience than a problem. For some, it won’t develop any further, but for others, their arthritis will be so advanced that it interferes with daily activities, and the pain and stiffness make it difficult to walk, climb stairs, or sleep.
Healthy lifestyle and regular exercise are recommended to improve the physical and mental health of arthritis sufferers, as well as the best of the independent living aids available on the market today, designed for a variety of daily tasks.
While it is important to maintain as much physical activity as possible, there will be times when symptoms are so severe that it becomes unbearable, and another solution needs to be on hand.
A mobility scooter can be the answer for times when you simply cannot manage your daily routine and need a solution to maintain your independence. This can be just a temporary solution until the symptoms wear off, or a more permanent arrangement to give you the extra help you need.
Mobility scooter manufacturers have been developing and developing new and improved features for their scooters for years to make the use of a scooter easier and more comfortable for people with limited joint flexibility, pain and stiffness.
Features like fully swiveling seats to allow the user to sit comfortably in the seat before getting on the scooter. This reduces the climbing, overexertion, and turning to get ahead.
Fully adjustable seats and armrests for maximum support for good posture and a comfortable driving position.
Delta handlebars to reduce the pressure on the wrists with standard handlebars and thumb or finger controls for easy operation. Fully adjustable tillers to find the right riding position for you and ensure there is no extra pressure on your joints. Thanks to the double controls, the driver can use one side or the other. Ideal when the symptoms are limited to just one joint.
Mobility scooters that provide extra legroom so you can stretch out, which reduces pressure on your knees and ankles.
Portable mobility scooters from mobilitytouch that can be dismantled with “one hand” are perfect when you need to take your scooter with you but need to transport it yourself without putting any strain on your joints.
There is such a wide range of scooters on the market today that it is possible to find one that will make your life better and give you the freedom and independence to maintain an active lifestyle.
