Arthritis - Introduction

More than eight million people in the UK suffer from some form of arthritis (joint inflammation). It can start at any age, but not usually before 40.

There are over 100 types of arthritis.

Its onset is gradual and is generally focused on a particular joint in the hands, feet or knees. The joints become swollen and painful, making movement difficult. Arthritis severely impacts on quality of life, but there are medicines that can help reduce the pain and inflammation. Some can slow the progression of the disease.

There are some 100 different types of arthritis that are characterised by the destruction of joints. The most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis develops slowly over time and can be due to overuse of a particular joint such as the knee. The cartilage covering the bone ends gradually wears away - swelling and pain follow.

Rheumatoid arthritis can develop relatively quickly: in weeks as opposed to the years it takes for osteoarthritis. It is an irreversible autoimmune disease, a condition where the body's own immune system attacks specific cells in the joints. It often starts in younger people and ultimately results in the breakdown of bone.

There are a number of mouse strains that model an aspect of arthritis. Some mice naturally develop arthritis. In others, it can be induced. These mice all play a valuable part in understanding how the disease takes hold and what cells and molecules could be targeted for treatments.

More to follow...