Joint damage

Temporary joint damage may occur due to accident or injury, but the most common medical conditions are related to arthritis.

osteoarthritis - inflammation of the joints
rheumatoid arthritis - a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the joints and surrounding tissues
systemic lupus erythematosus - a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the skin, joints and internal organs
ankylosing spondylitis – stiffening around the spine

All these conditions can make getting around very difficult and tiring. Movement of swollen joints is painful, dexterity may be reduced and tiredness increases with the efforts made to maintain movement. Medication can produce side effects that make it hard to concentrate.

These conditions tend to flare up under certain circumstances, so the well-being of the student fluctuates, as it can do for many students with long-term illnesses or conditions.