Arthritis
Pain, stiffness, and swelling don't all have the same cause — or treatment.
Arthritis is an umbrella term. Osteoarthritis (wear-related) and rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune) are the two largest groups and need different treatment. Accurate diagnosis up front avoids years of wrong therapy.
Causes & risk factors
- Osteoarthritis: age, prior injury, obesity, genetics
- Rheumatoid: autoimmune, genetic, smoking
- Gout: urate crystal deposition
- Psoriatic arthritis: linked to psoriasis
Symptoms
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Morning stiffness >30 min suggests inflammatory cause
- Swelling, warmth, or redness
- Reduced range of motion
- Systemic symptoms (fatigue, low-grade fever) in autoimmune forms
How it's diagnosed
- History and exam
- Inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP)
- Rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP
- Uric acid if gout suspected
- X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI as indicated
Evidence-based treatment
- Weight management and targeted exercise
- Paracetamol and topical NSAIDs first-line for osteoarthritis
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (methotrexate, biologics) for rheumatoid
- Intra-articular steroid injections for flares
- Joint replacement for end-stage osteoarthritis
Related symptoms
Arthritis — FAQ
Which specialist treats arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is typically managed by a GP or Orthopedist. Rheumatoid and other inflammatory arthritides are managed by Rheumatologists — ask your GP for a referral.
Other conditions
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)Type 2 DiabetesMigraineHypothyroidismAsthmaAcid Reflux (GERD)DepressionEczema (Atopic Dermatitis)PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)Anxiety DisordersUrinary Tract Infection (UTI)High Cholesterol (Dyslipidaemia)Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)Sinusitis (Sinus Infection)Anaemia (Iron Deficiency)Back Pain (Chronic)Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)
This page is general information, not medical advice for any specific person. For diagnosis and treatment, book a consultation.