Arthritis
Also known as Joint inflammation
This article is general health information for the selected condition. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace clinical judgement. If you have questions or need treatment advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is not a single disease. It is an umbrella term for more than 100 conditions that cause joint pain, stiffness and swelling. The two most common forms are osteoarthritis, which comes from cartilage wearing down, and rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease. Treatment depends entirely on which type is present, so an accurate diagnosis matters more than symptom relief alone.
Causes
- Cartilage breakdown from mechanical wear
- Autoimmune attack on the joint lining
- Crystal deposition, as in gout
- Joint infection, known as septic arthritis
- Previous joint injury or fracture
Symptoms
- Joint pain that may be worse with use or after rest
- Morning stiffness in or around the joint
- Swelling and tenderness
- Reduced range of motion
- Warmth or redness over the joint
- Grating or clicking with movement
Risk factors
- Increasing age
- Family history of arthritis
- Previous joint injury
- Excess body weight, which loads the knees and hips
- Repetitive occupational joint stress
- Smoking, which raises rheumatoid arthritis risk
Diagnosis
- History and physical examination of the affected joints
- Blood tests including inflammatory markers and autoantibodies
- X-ray to assess joint space and bone changes
- Ultrasound or MRI for soft tissue and early disease
- Joint fluid aspiration to check for crystals or infection
Treatment
- Exercise and physiotherapy to preserve strength and motion
- Weight management to reduce joint load
- Paracetamol or nonsteroidal anti inflammatory medicines
- Disease modifying drugs for inflammatory types
- Corticosteroid injections for flares
- Joint replacement surgery in advanced disease
Self care
- Keep moving, since inactivity worsens stiffness and weakness
- Combine strengthening with low impact aerobic exercise
- Use heat for stiffness and cold for an inflamed swollen joint
- Manage weight to reduce load on knees and hips
- Pace activity across the day rather than overdoing good days
- Consider walking aids and joint friendly footwear
- Stop smoking, which worsens inflammatory arthritis
When to see a doctor
Book an appointment if:
- Joint pain and swelling lasting more than a few weeks
- Morning stiffness lasting over an hour
- Symmetrical swelling of small joints in hands or feet
- Joint symptoms with rash, fever or weight loss
- Pain limiting work or daily activity
- Treatment no longer controlling symptoms
Some symptoms need emergency care rather than an appointment. See the warning signs listed above.
Prevention
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Protect joints during sport and at work
- Treat joint injuries properly and complete rehabilitation
- Stay active to preserve muscle support around joints
- Do not smoke
- Seek early assessment for persistent joint swelling
Outlook
Outlook depends on the type. Osteoarthritis progresses slowly and symptoms respond well to exercise, weight management and, when needed, joint replacement. Inflammatory arthritis treated early with disease modifying medicines can often be pushed into remission with little lasting joint damage. Delay in treating inflammatory types is the main driver of permanent disability.
Common questions
How many types of arthritis are there?
More than 100 distinct conditions fall under the arthritis umbrella. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis account for the large majority of cases seen in general practice.
Can arthritis be cured?
Most forms cannot be cured, but they can be controlled. Inflammatory arthritis treated early with disease modifying medicines can often be pushed into remission, and osteoarthritis symptoms respond well to exercise and weight management.
Does cold weather make arthritis worse?
Many people report more stiffness in cold or damp weather. Studies have not shown that weather damages joints, so the effect appears to be on comfort rather than on the underlying disease.
References
Important: Dard AI is not a medical device and does not diagnose, treat, or replace clinician judgement. This article is general information only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about diagnosis and treatment, and seek emergency care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.