Bones and joints

Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation in a joint. It is a common condition that affects people of all ages. People with arthritis may have difficulty with the mobility of their hands, spine, knees or hips due to the pain caused by the inflammation. An affected joint may feel painful, weak, tender or stiff. This can impact life in many ways, making certain workplace tasks and leisure activities difficult. Some common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, gout, and fibromyalgia. There is no cure for arthritis but it can be managed with medicines, surgeries and physiotherapy. When children suffer from arthritis it is most commonly known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). This section contains resources for understanding arthritis.

Versus Arthritis

NRAS – National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society

JIA – Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (Part of NRAS)

The UK Gout Society

Arthritis NHS

Osteoporosis is a condition caused by a loss of bone mass that results in bones breaking easily. Bone mass decreases naturally over your lifespan, but there are certain things that may speed up this process and make you more prone to the condition. As bone density decreases rapidly during menopause, osteoporosis is sometimes understood as an age-related condition that affects older women. However, it should be known that it can affect people of all ages and genders. Other risk factors for osteoporosis include: family history; certain medications like high-dose steroid tablets and anti-oestrogen tablets taken by women recovering from breast cancer; eating disorders and low body mass index (BMI); lifestyle choices like smoking and not exercising enough; and hormonal problems like an overactive thyroid gland or hypogonadism (abnormally low testosterone in men). There are a number of treatment options available and it is recommended that people with osteoporosis avoid falls that could break and fracture the bones. Good bone health is supported by getting plenty of vitamin D and calcium in your diet. This section contains resources for those suffering from osteoporosis as well as some NHS guidance on maintaining healthy bones.

Royal Osteoporosis Society

Royal Osteoporosis Society Bone Health Checklist

Osteoporosis NHS

Bone Health NHS