Arthritis can affect every part of your life and sometimes make carrying out simple tasks virtually impossible.
With no complete cure for arthritis, and medication only able to do so much to ease the symptoms, it is important to find a way of living comfortably with the condition.
You may find coping at home difficult, particularly when your symptoms flare-up. But there is help at hand.
Your local authority’s social services department will be able to tell you exactly what help is available to you, but many provide occupational therapists to assess your needs and decide what assistance you are entitled to.
There is equipment on the market which can help you maintain your independence and help you perform tasks including turning on taps, bathing and gardening.
Part of leading a normal life depends on your ability to get around. If you have arthritis you may find it increasingly difficult to get to the shops, doctors appointment or simply out and about to see friends. Using public transport or driving a car may become increasingly difficult.
A few local authorities run a transport scheme to help residents with disabilities travel around, but if your council doesn’t there may be voluntary organisations or businesses that run similar schemes. Their contact details should be available through your local Citizens Advice Bureau.
The charity Motability could help you buy an adapted car and help with the cost of driving lessons you will need to take with a trained instructor, giving you more freedom.
Arthritis shouldn’t mean you lose your job. If you have difficulties at work you may be able to adjust your hours and use special equipment to help.
If you do lose your job because of your arthritis, you may be able to take your case to an industrial tribunal.
An Access to Work scheme run by the Government can assign you a support worker who can help make the necessary changes at your workplace. You may also be eligible for work-related expenses including car modifications or taxi fares.
People living with arthritis can often become frustrated with their condition and feel lonely and depressed. It is important that you share these feelings with family or friends. If you can’t talk to them have a chat with your doctor or physiotherapist, or your local Citizens Advice Bureau will be able to put you in touch with a counsellor if needed.
For children who suffer with the condition there are support groups where young people and their families can talk about their feelings.
It is not just a person with arthritis whose life can be affected by the condition. Carers, whether they live with the person or look after them on a regular basis, can sometimes struggle to get the right balance between helping and doing too much.
As well as taking care of the person suffering from arthritis, it is important that carers look after themselves. If you are a carer you may be entitled to support from your local social services department.