Arthritis is a debilitating condition that can rob sufferers of many aspects of what most people consider a normal life. Even those with mild forms of arthritis can find their quality of life vastly reduced because of something as minor as cold weather. However, some simple measures can help sufferers. Deirdre O'Shaughnessy reports.

Arthritis is a pain, both literally and figuratively. Simply put, the disease involves an inflammation of the joints. There are several different types, wiht osteoarthritis, resulting from damage, infection or age, and rheumatoid arthritis, caused by the body attacking itself, the most common.

There has been research to indicate that improvements in lifestyle can help sufferers of both forms of arthritis, but often the best hope is management rather than a cure.

A healthy lifestyle is important in controlling the condition, with factors such as weight gain and over-consumption of alcohol severely affecting many sufferers. It is particularly crucial to control weight, as any strain on the joints can crush them and further erode the cartilage that prevents bone friction in a normal joint.

Arthritis Ireland advises people to cut down on fatty and sugary foods, and alcohol, and instead eat more starchy foods, fresh fruit and vegetables. Some sufferers find that food supplements, including fish oils or glucosamine, may help symptoms, but they are not medically proven. Reducing fat in the diet is important, but it's equally important not to reduce the amount of calcium or other nutrients being consumed. A lack of calcium can increase the risk of osteoporosis, which only aggravates arthritic conditions.

Exercising the joints is also important in order to keep them mobile. Many sufferers are unable to do much weight-bearing exercise, but swimming or cycling is generally recommended in order to keep joints supple and weight down.

Swimming is a particularly good form of exercise for people with arthritis in the hips, knees or ankles. It loosens out the joints without subjecting them to the type of beating walking or running entails. However, it's important that anyone suffering from arthritis consults a doctor or physiotherapist before changing their exercise routine, as not all sufferers have the same problems. Arthritis sufferers may find that quality of life is depleted, but there are, luckily, some treats sufferers can enjoy, that will also be beneficial to their condition.

In the 1800s, wealthy sufferers of arthritis and other musculo-skeletal conditions used to visit spa resorts such as Bath in England, Baden in Germany, or Budapest in Hungary. This type of treatment is enjoying a resurgence, as low-cost airlines make trips abroad almost as cheap as a weekend in Ireland.

The mineral-rich, naturally-heated waters of spa resorts are ideal for arthritis sufferers. Heat treatment is a commonly recommended remedy for the condition. While this can range from heat patches to hot water bottles, one of the best solutions is a hot bath or some time spent in a sauna.