Family guide to arthritis

Arthritis is estimated to affect millions of people in the UK, causing them to experience joint pain, inflammation and stiffness. There are many different types of arthritis which can affect any part of the body, leading to reduced mobility and motor skills, and difficulty performing daily tasks. 

This can create new challenges for families as your loved one may require additional support and care. You can find a wealth of resources to help you support a family member with arthritis, from healthcare providers to charities and even family and friends.

Complete Care Shop has created a guide to how to help someone with arthritis, and our product recommendations to facilitate daily tasks and independence.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a chronic condition that causes inflammation, pain and stiffness in joints around the body. It may be that only a single joint is affected by arthritis or multiple joints can be affected. Of the many different types of arthritis, there are two most common: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. 

Arthritis can be challenging to diagnose as symptoms vary greatly between individuals and differ from condition to condition.

How to recognise signs of arthritis

There are many symptoms of arthritis, which can differ from person to person and often resemble other conditions; however, if you believe someone in your life may be affected by it, here are the most common symptoms to look out for:

• Joint pain, tenderness and stiffness
• Decreased range of motion
• Swelling
• Muscle weakness and fatigue
• Warm, red skin over the affected area

If someone in your family experiences these symptoms regularly, please advise them to consult their GP or healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.

What to do if someone you know has arthritis?

If you suspect someone you know has arthritis, it’s important to ensure they see a doctor for a diagnosis. Even though there is no exact cure for arthritis, they may be given treatments and medication to help manage the pain and symptoms.

They could be given painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication to reduce the pain and tenderness, referred to physiotherapy or manual therapy, and in more severe cases they may have to get surgery.

There are non-medical ways to help alongside treatment which you can support them with, such as regular exercise and stretching, a healthier diet and weight management, massages, and other stress-relieving hobbies to avoid muscle tension.

How to help someone with arthritis

If you’re wondering how to help someone with arthritis, offering help with appointments and medication and being there for them during pain flare-ups are all very important. There are also many support options and living aids available to improve their quality of life. 

At Complete Care Shop we have a wide range of resources available to help you care for a loved one with arthritis. Take a look at our article ‘10 tips to help those living with arthritis’ and discover further support and information.

Recommended products

• Personal care product for arthritis—Your loved one could benefit greatly from our long-handled sponges and hygiene aids to wash up without straining their joints. Our bath lifts, shower seats, long-handled sponges, and grab rails are also perfect for promoting their independence or aiding you in helping them take care of their hygiene.
• Kitchen aids for arthritis—Painful, swollen fingers can make it almost impossible to use conventional cutlery and cooking a meal or preparing food can become a challenge. Our jar and bottle openers, food preparation boards, kettle tippers, double-handled cups and mugs, and ergonomic cutlery can simplify mealtimes. 
• Walking aids—Arthritis can make it tricky to get around but it’s important to try and keep moving, as exercise is beneficial for our minds and bodies. Luckily, we have a variety of mobility aids like wheelchairs and mobility scooters, canes, crutches, rollators, and more.

Dressing aids
Getting dressed on our own is something that we may all take for granted, however, for someone living with arthritis and reduced manual dexterity it can be difficult. Tools like our button hooks, dressing sticks, sock aids, and Bra Angel can help them regain their independence when getting dressed and make this daily task less frustrating.

Useful charities and resources

If you and your loved one require additional support and information about living with arthritis, there are a number of charities and organisations around the UK to help you. Arthritis Action is a UK charity that offers mental health and employment support, self-management guides, and online groups so you can chat with others in a similar situation.

Versus Arthritis is another great resource, and the biggest arthritis charity in the UK with a helpline so that you can receive advice and support tailored to you, further information about the condition and its different types, online support groups, and more.

Caring for someone with arthritis

Caring for a loved one with arthritis can be both rewarding and challenging. It’s important to be fully informed about the condition; understanding its different types and treatment options so you know what you’re dealing with. Being patient and encouraging with your loved one and offering emotional support are all great ways to help—it doesn’t have to be as scary as it seems.

If you find yourself becoming a primary caregiver for your loved one with arthritis, read our guides on how to become a carer for a family member and living well with arthritis.

How can Complete Care Shop help?

Complete Care Shop offers a broad selection of products designed to make everyday life easier for people with arthritis—we aim to help your loved ones retain their independence. We have in-house Occupational Therapists who can provide expert advice on our products or virtual home living consulations.

For more information, browse our Arthritis Health Hub or contact us.