Susan Oliver Associates - Independent Rheumatology Nursing Specialists

Arthritis is a word that is used to describe pain or discomfort in joints. It is a general name covering all types of arthritis. Sometimes using the term 'arthritis' can be a problem because it means that many people will fail to understand the differences between various types of arthritis. This can often be difficult if you have recently been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and you are told 'It’s just a touch of arthritis - you will get over it'. In my experience those comments can be destructive to the person newly diagnosed and struggling to understand and cope with their disease. It is important you understand the type of arthritis you have and learn how to manage the problems you might experience. An additional disadvantage of the view that joint pain is ' just a bit of arthritis' or 'wear and tear and a consequence of ‘ old age' is that some people may fail to see their doctor, assuming there is nothing that can be done. There is always something that can be done to help. For instance, understanding the disease and how to manage various types of arthritis and learning how to manage pain can have a positive impact on how individuals cope with their daily lives. For more information see the sections on this website called: Managing Pain and How to Manage Arthritis and Why See a Nurse
Osteoarthritis www.arthritiscare.org.uk www.arc.org.uk	Rheumatoid Arthritis www.rheumatoid.org.uk www.arc.org.uk	Ankylosing Spondylitis www.nass.co.uk www.arc.org.uk
Gout & Pseudogout www.arc.org.uk	Reactive Arthritis www.arc.org.uk	Psoriatic Arthritis www.paalliance.org.uk www.arc.org.uk
Lupus www.lupusuk.com www.arc.org.uk	Scleroderma www.sclerodermasociety.co.uk www.raynauds.demon.co.uk/scleroderma www.arc.org.uk	Osteoporosis www.nos.org.uk

If you have joint pains that you think may be arthritis and you have not seen a doctor about your pain it might be helpful to do this so you can get a clear understanding of the problems you have. Set out above are the names of some types of arthritis. If you have arthritis and would like extra advice and support you might find some of the information on this website is helpful. If you would still like to see a nurse privately [click here for contact info] The Arthritis Research Campaign (arc) can provide excellent information on all types of arthritis. For additional information on various types of arthritis (e.g. Rheumatoid Arthritis is one type of arthritis). Refer to the links as well as specific patient support groups set out above (www.arc.org.uk)