Rheumatoid arthritis is less common, more severe, and affects about 400,000 people in the UK. Women are three times more likely than men to suffer from the condition, which often starts between the ages of 40 and 50. The body’s immune system attacks and destroys the affected joints, causing pain and swelling to occur. This can lead to a reduction in movement. 

The breakdown of bone and cartilage is likely to result in pain in the joints, tenderness, and stiffness. Symptoms are often worse in the morning.

The aim in treating this form of arthritis is to the slow the progress of the condition and minimise joint degeneration. Treatment takes the form of painkillers, disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), physiotherapy and regular exercise.

Gout is the third most common type of arthritis and affects around one in 200 adults, most commonly men between 30 and 60. Often said to be the most painful form of arthritis, it is caused by a build-up of uric acid in the body which causes crystal deposits to form in the joints, often the big toe, where blood does not circulate as well. This leads to intense pain, swelling, redness and heat and can also cause kidney stones.

There are several risk factors for gout including genetics, being overweight and drinking too much. Some medication, including diuretics and aspirin, can exacerbate the problem.