Arthritis is a general term that covers all types of arthritis, including arthrosis. Arthrosis is a specific type of degenerative condition caused by wear and tear of the joints leading to a damaged and weakened cartilage.

There's a range of early warning signs of arthritis including: Pain and swelling around the joint, stiffness that gets worse while it's inactive and improves when you're exercising, reduced range of motion, cracking or grinding noises when moving and a dull ache that comes and goes, especially in cold weather.

Arthritis is primarily a degenerative condition that comes with age due to wear and tear of the joints. Factors that can aggravate this process include excess weight, poor diet, low activity, old age and excessive levels of activity, with people who have a family history of arthritis much more likely to develop it.

Unfortunately, there is no way to cure arthritis, however with the right treatment and lifestyle changes, you can slow down the progression of the condition and effectively manage any pain caused by it.

In milder to moderate cases of arthritis, braces that compress at a medical grade and stabilise the affected joint are most suitable for relieving pain and stiffness. In more chronic and serious cases, unloading of the joint is required to minimise or prevent bone on bone contact.

This changes from person to person and is really dependent on comfort levels and the severity of the condition. Wearing a brace during the day is normally okay as long as you are comfortable.

Medical grade compression has been shown to be highly effective in relieving the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. While compression socks normally bought at the chemist or airport can provide some relief, it's not long lasting or effective in most cases. It's important to use medical grade compression stockings to ensure adequate relief and pain management.

Any joint in the body can be affected by arthritis. However, the more common areas include the knees, wrists, feet and hips. It's more likely to occur in the parts of your body that are more regularly put under strain over time.

Once the cartilage in your body is damaged, it can't heal, nor grow back. This means that in the large majority of cases it's irreversible, and can only be treated through therapy, bracing, supplements and other lifestyle changes.

Knee replacement surgery may be required for some severe arthritis cases, but it is not necessary for every patient. If your arthritis is mild to moderate, you can effectively relieve pain and slow the condition's progression.