World Arthritis Day- 12th October
Understanding Arthritis and How CBT Can Help People Live Well with It
October 12th marks World Arthritis Day, a global initiative to raise awareness about arthritis and its impact on people's lives. As a cognitive behavioural therapist (CBT) who specialises in chronic pain, including arthritis, I work with many individuals coping with the challenges this condition brings. In this blog post, I aim to shed light on what arthritis is, the different types, how prevalent it is in the UK, and—most importantly—how people living with arthritis can improve their quality of life through holistic approaches, including psychological therapies like CBT.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is not a single condition but an umbrella term used to describe various conditions that cause inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. These symptoms can significantly impact day-to-day activities, from getting out of bed to performing work-related tasks.
Types of Arthritis
There are different types of arthritis, but the two most common forms are:
Osteoarthritis (OA) – This is the most common form of arthritis, affecting around 9 million people in the UK. It typically occurs as we age and involves the gradual wear and tear of cartilage that cushions the joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced function, particularly in weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine.
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – RA is an autoimmune disease that affects around 400,000 people in the UK. In RA, the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, causing inflammation and pain. If left untreated, RA can damage the joints, leading to long-term disability.
Other types include psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, both of which also involve immune system dysfunction and can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility.
How Common is Arthritis in the UK?
Arthritis is one of the most common health conditions in the UK. According to Arthritis Research UK, 10 million people live with some form of arthritis or a musculoskeletal condition. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the most prevalent, particularly among older adults, but arthritis can also affect younger people, including children.
The prevalence of arthritis increases with age, but it is important to note that arthritis is not just a disease of ageing. It can affect people of all ages, including children and adolescents, as in the case of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
How Arthritis Impacts People’s Lives
Living with arthritis often means living with chronic pain, which can have a profound impact on every aspect of life:
Physical limitations: Pain and joint stiffness can limit mobility, making it difficult to perform daily tasks, such as walking, cooking, or even getting dressed. Some individuals may eventually require mobility aids or surgical interventions like joint replacements.
Mental health: The chronic pain and disability associated with arthritis can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of frustration. People may also feel isolated, as they are no longer able to engage in social or recreational activities they once enjoyed.
Work and productivity: Arthritis can reduce work capacity, leading to financial stress or even early retirement in some cases. Managing arthritis at work often requires adjustments and accommodations, but this is not always possible for everyone.
Living Well with Arthritis
Despite its challenges, there are ways to live well with arthritis. A holistic approach that combines Physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, and psychological support can significantly improve quality of life. Here are some key strategies:
Physical therapies, such as physiotherapy and hydrotherapy, also play a role in maintaining mobility and joint function.
Exercise: Regular, low-impact exercise is vital in managing arthritis. It can strengthen muscles around the joints, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. Activities like swimming, walking, and yoga are often recommended. While it may seem counterintuitive, exercise reduces pain rather than aggravating it in most cases.
Diet: A balanced, anti-inflammatory diet can support joint health. Some research suggests that diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts), as well as a Mediterranean-style diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can help reduce inflammation and improve symptoms.
Psychological support: This is where CBT and other psychological therapies can make a significant difference. Living with chronic pain can lead to negative thinking patterns, anxiety, and depression, which can worsen the perception of pain.
How CBT Can Help People with Arthritis
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is an effective treatment for managing the psychological aspects of living with arthritis. The pain of arthritis is not just a physical sensation but is also influenced by thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Here's how CBT can help:
Challenging negative thinking patterns: People with arthritis may develop thoughts like “I’ll never be able to enjoy life again” or “The pain will never go away.” CBT helps individuals identify and challenge these unhelpful thoughts, replacing them with more balanced and positive perspectives.
Coping strategies: CBT teaches practical coping strategies for managing pain and stress, such as relaxation techniques, pacing activities to avoid overexertion, and problem-solving strategies to manage day-to-day challenges.
Improving emotional wellbeing: Arthritis often leads to feelings of frustration, anxiety, and low mood. CBT helps individuals process these emotions and develop more adaptive responses to pain and disability.
Goal setting: Setting realistic, achievable goals is a key component of CBT. This might include gradually increasing physical activity levels, engaging in social activities, or learning to balance rest with activity to avoid flare-ups.
Conclusion
Arthritis is a common condition that affects millions of people in the UK. While it can lead to significant challenges, people with arthritis can still live fulfilling and meaningful lives with the right combination of medical treatment, lifestyle changes, and psychological support.
As a CBT therapist specializing in chronic pain, I have seen first-hand how therapies like CBT can transform the way individuals cope with arthritis. This World Arthritis Day, let’s raise awareness not just about the condition but also about the many ways people can live well with arthritis—because pain doesn’t have to define your life.
If you or someone you know is struggling with arthritis and would like to learn more about how CBT can help, feel free to get in touch.