Arthritis
An umbrella term for more than 100 joint conditions causing pain, inflammation and stiffness.
Overview
Arthritis is a broad term that encompasses more than 100 different conditions affecting the joints, causing pain, inflammation and stiffness. It is common at any age but more prevalent among older adults, and its impact on daily life can be significant.
Diagnosis combines medical history and physical examination with imaging (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound), laboratory tests such as rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies and uric acid, and sometimes joint fluid analysis.
Types & stages
- Osteoarthritis (OA)
- Wear-and-tear arthritis where protective cartilage wears down, typically affecting hands, knees, hips and spine.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- An autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the synovium, causing swelling and eventual joint deformity.
- Gout
- Sudden severe attacks of pain and redness, often at the base of the big toe, caused by urate crystals.
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Joint pain, stiffness and swelling affecting some people who have psoriasis.
- Lupus (SLE)
- An autoimmune disease that can inflame joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart and lungs.
Common symptoms
- Persistent or intermittent joint pain
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after inactivity
- Swelling in and around the joints
- Redness, particularly in RA and gout
- Decreased range of motion
- Fatigue in autoimmune forms
- Fever with inflammatory arthritis
Prevention & self-care
- Keep joints moving with low-impact activity
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint load
- Strengthen supporting muscles under guidance
- Bring previous X-rays and blood reports to consultations
When to see a doctor
Book a review for joint swelling lasting more than two weeks, morning stiffness beyond an hour, or joints that are hot and red.
Book a consultationRelated conditions
Rheumatoid Arthritis
A chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder that affects the joint lining and can involve other body systems.
Gout
A complex form of arthritis marked by sudden, severe attacks of pain and swelling, most often in the big toe.
Sciatica Pain
Pain travelling along the path of the sciatic nerve, from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg.