Arthritis affects around 10 million people in the UK. It’s a condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint and can affect anyone at any age, including children.

The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms can vary depending on the kind of arthritis you have, but generally the most common symptoms include joint pain, tenderness and stiffness, restricted joint movement, and warm red skin over the affected joint.

Doctors have traditionally treated arthritis with a range of anti-inflammatory medications and painkillers – but it’s possible to alleviate the symptoms without taking any drugs at all.

Here are 10 natural ways you can combat the discomfort of arthritis.

Read more: 10 Natural Ways to Treat Arthritis

If you’re looking for a workout that will help your joints as well as your heart, lungs and mood, it’s time to put on your walking shoes and head for your local track, treadmill or neighborhood park.

Use this RA-friendly walking plan to walk your way to trim, fit and energetic while protecting and strengthening your joints.

Walking helps keep joints flexible. This is key for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), since joints stiffen with inactivity. Also, as walking strengthens the muscles and tissues surrounding the joints, it helps protect those joints. As an added bonus, walking will help you lose weight and ward off heart disease.

Read more: A Walking Plan Fit for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Knee OA is the most common cause of mobility dependency and diminished quality of life, and obesity is a major contributing factor to the disorder. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), two in every three people who are obese will develop knee OA in their lifetime. Here you can find some simple exercises for improving your knee arthritis state.

Read more: Knee Arthritis: Exercises to Relieve Pain

Osteoarthritis (OA) affects 27 million people in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Best known as the “wear-and-tear” form of arthritis, OA breaks down cartilage between the joints, eventually causing the bones to grind together painfully. The most common type of arthritis, nearly one in two adults will develop knee OA during their lifetime.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the second most common type of arthritis, affecting around 1.5 million Americans. A systemic autoimmune disease, it mainly attacks the synovial joints: the hands and wrists, shoulders, elbows, knees, ankles, feet, and toes. RA may eventually deform or destroy the joints that it affects.

Read more: Easy Exercises for Knee Arthritis

Arthritis is a leading cause of pain and disability worldwide. You can find plenty of advice about easing the pain of arthritis and other conditions with exercise, medication and stress reduction. How do you know what will work best for you?

Here are some do's and don'ts to help you figure it out.

Read more: Arthritis pain: Do's and don'ts