Arthritis

Overview

Arthritis is a term used to describe more than 100 conditions that cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. The two most common types are osteoarthritis, which happens when the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints.

Yes. Arthritis is one of the most common health conditions in the world. In the UK alone, around 10 million people of all ages live with some form of arthritis.

Arthritis can affect anyone, but it becomes more common with age. Osteoarthritis often starts after age 40, while rheumatoid arthritis frequently begins in middle age. Some types are more common in women, and others, like ankylosing spondylitis, are more common in men.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Joint pain or aching
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after rest
• Swelling in and around the joints
• Redness or warmth over the joint
• Difficulty moving the joint normally
• Fatigue or a general feeling of being unwell

Symptoms in children

• Limping, especially in the morning
• Pain in joints, often in the knees, wrists, or hands
• Swelling in joints that may not be painful
• A fever that comes and goes
• Difficulty doing everyday tasks like dressing or climbing stairs

Symptoms in older adults

• Aches and pains in the knees, hips, hands, or lower back
• Stiffness that makes it hard to get going in the morning
• Reduced flexibility or range of motion in the joints
• Joint tenderness or pain when climbing stairs or walking
• Difficulty with activities like buttoning clothing or opening jars

Causes

Main causes

• Osteoarthritis: the protective cartilage on the ends of bones wears down over time, causing pain and stiffness.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: the immune system attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation and damage.
• Gout: hard uric acid crystals build up in a joint, leading to sudden burning pain.
• Psoriatic arthritis: a form of arthritis linked to the skin condition psoriasis.
• Reactive arthritis: joint inflammation that can develop after an infection in the body.

Risk factors

• Getting older
• Having a family history of arthritis
• Being overweight or obese
• Past joint injuries or surgeries
• Smoking
• Certain infections or illnesses

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• See a doctor the same day if you have sudden joint pain with swelling and fever, or a joint that feels hot and looks red.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Make a routine appointment if you have joint pain, stiffness, or swelling that lasts more than two weeks.

Diagnosis

A doctor, usually a GP, will ask about your symptoms, examine your joints, and check for swelling, warmth, and tenderness. Based on that, they may arrange further tests to find out which type of arthritis you have.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to look for signs of inflammation or specific antibodies
• X-rays to check for joint damage and cartilage loss
• Ultrasound or MRI scans to look at soft tissues and cartilage
• A sample of joint fluid, sometimes taken to rule out infection or crystals

What to expect at your appointment

Diagnosis can happen in stages. Some types of arthritis are confirmed quickly with an exam and blood test, while others may take more time. Your doctor will explain the results and work with you to plan the next steps.

Treatment

There is no cure for most types of arthritis, but treatment can greatly reduce pain and help you stay active. The best plan depends on the type of arthritis, how severe it is, and your personal needs and lifestyle.

Self-care at home

• Take rest breaks during the day, but try to keep moving.
• Use hot or cold packs on sore joints.
• Do gentle stretching and strengthening exercises.
• If you are overweight, aim to lose weight slowly to ease pressure on your joints.
• Use supportive shoes or a walking stick if it helps you feel steady.

Medical treatments

Doctors may recommend medications to reduce pain and inflammation—these can come as tablets, creams, or injections. They may also suggest physiotherapy or occupational therapy. For some types of arthritis, medicines that help regulate the immune system are used. Always discuss any treatment plan with your doctor.

When is surgery considered?

If a joint is severely damaged and other treatments no longer help, a joint replacement operation may be considered. This is a decision made with an orthopaedic specialist after a full review of your symptoms and overall health.

Living with this condition

Living with arthritis means finding a rhythm that works for you. Try to keep a steady routine, break big tasks into smaller steps, and use tools like jar openers or handrails to make daily activities easier. Listen to your body and rest when you need to.

Lifestyle tips

• Exercise regularly with low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling.
• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.
• Get enough sleep to help your body recover and manage pain.
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.
• Manage stress with relaxation exercises, hobbies, or talking to someone you trust.

Diet and exercise

A healthy, varied diet helps reduce inflammation and supports a healthy weight. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity every week, but choose activities that are gentle on your joints, such as swimming, yoga, or cycling.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with constant pain can feel exhausting and may lead to anxiety or low mood. It is normal to feel frustrated at times. If sadness or hopelessness lasts longer than two weeks, talk to your doctor. Your emotional health is just as important as your joints.

Prevention

Not all types of arthritis can be prevented, but you can lower your chances of developing osteoarthritis. Keeping a healthy weight, staying physically active, avoiding joint injuries, and not smoking all help reduce risk. If you have a family history, talk to your doctor about what you can do.

Vaccines

Staying up to date with recommended vaccinations is a good way to avoid infections that could trigger joint inflammation, especially for people with inflammatory arthritis.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for arthritis. However, seeing a doctor early when symptoms first appear can help you get the right treatment sooner.

Complications

If left untreated

• Continued pain and stiffness that limits daily activities
• Joint damage that gets worse over time
• Reduced mobility and difficulty walking or performing routine tasks
• For inflammatory types, potential damage to other organs such as the eyes, skin, or blood vessels

Long-term outlook

Although arthritis can be challenging, most people are able to manage their symptoms and keep up an active, fulfilling life. With early care, modern treatments, and supportive self-management, the outlook is often very hopeful.

Find support

International organisations

• Versus Arthritis ↗
• Arthritis Foundation ↗

Local organisations

• NHS Arthritis Information ↗ · United Kingdom

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