arthritis overview for patients

Overview

Arthritis is a term for conditions that cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in your joints. A joint is where two bones meet, such as your knee, hip, or fingers. There are many types of arthritis. The two most common are osteoarthritis, which happens when the protective layer inside a joint wears down, and rheumatoid arthritis, which is caused by the body's immune system mistakenly attacking the joints.

Yes. Arthritis is very common. It affects hundreds of millions of people around the world, and the number grows with age.

Anyone can get arthritis. It is more common in adults over 65, but it can also affect younger adults and children. Women are more likely than men to have some types, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Joint pain
• Swelling in or near a joint
• Stiffness, especially after waking up or sitting for a while
• Reduced range of motion (trouble bending or straightening the joint)
• Warmth or redness around the joint

Symptoms in children

• Limping in the morning
• Pain in joints, especially knees, wrists, or ankles
• Unexplained tiredness or fever
• Swollen joints that may feel warm

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain that gets worse with activity and feels better with rest
• Stiffness after inactivity or first thing in the morning
• Changes in how you walk or need for assistive devices
• Joints that look larger or more knobby than before

Causes

Main causes

• Osteoarthritis: breakdown of the smooth surface (cartilage) that cushions the ends of bones.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: the immune system attacks the lining of the joint, causing inflammation.
• Other causes include injury, infection, crystals in the joint (such as gout), and wear and tear from repeated use.

Risk factors

• Getting older
• Being female
• Having a family history of arthritis
• Having had a joint injury in the past
• Carrying excess weight, which adds stress to weight-bearing joints
• Some infections and autoimmune conditions

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your joint is red, hot, painful, and swollen for no clear reason
• If you have a fever along with joint pain
• If you cannot put weight on a joint or move it normally after an injury

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have joint pain, stiffness, or swelling that lasts for more than three days
• If your symptoms make it hard to do everyday activities
• If you have a chronic condition like lupus or psoriasis and develop new joint symptoms

Diagnosis

A doctor will listen to your story, examine your joints, and ask about your medical history. They may refer you to a specialist, like a rheumatologist or an orthopaedic surgeon, if needed. There is no single test for arthritis, so doctors combine information from your exam, blood tests, and imaging scans.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests to check for inflammation and certain markers
• X-rays to look at joint space and bone changes
• Ultrasound to see fluid and inflammation in joints
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) for a detailed look at cartilage and soft tissues

What to expect at your appointment

The process usually starts with a simple check-up. You may be asked to describe your pain, when it happens, and what makes it better or worse. Be ready to mention any stiffness in the morning, how long it lasts, and whether you have had an injury or infection. The doctor may also ask you to move your joints in different ways.

Treatment

There is no cure for most types of arthritis, but the condition can be managed. Treatment aims to reduce pain, improve movement, and prevent joint damage. It often combines lifestyle changes, physical therapy, and medical treatments. Your doctor will create a plan that fits your type of arthritis, your symptoms, and your daily life.

Self-care at home

• Move your joints gently every day, especially through stretches and low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling.
• Apply a warm pack to ease stiff joints and a cold pack to reduce swelling and pain.
• Take rest breaks during long activities, and pace yourself instead of trying to do everything at once.
• Use assistive tools like jar openers or reachers to reduce strain on your joints.
• Keep a healthy weight to lessen pressure on hips, knees, and feet.

Medical treatments

Doctors have several ways to treat arthritis. They may suggest pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medicines, or creams. They might also use injections into the joint to reduce inflammation. In some types of arthritis, medicines that calm the immune system are used. Always take any prescribed medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, and ask about side effects.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not needed for most people. It may be considered if arthritis severely damages a joint and other treatments no longer help, for example a knee or hip replacement. A surgeon can explain the benefits, risks, and recovery time before you decide.

Living with this condition

Living with arthritis often means finding a balance between rest and activity. On good days, you may be able to do a lot; on tougher days, take it easier. Plan your most important tasks for times when you feel best, and don't be afraid to ask for help from family or friends.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay active with exercises that are gentle on joints, like walking, swimming, stretching, or yoga.
• Maintain a healthy body weight to reduce joint strain.
• Get good sleep to help your body recover and reduce pain.
• Avoid smoking, because it can make inflammation worse.
• Learn relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to manage pain-related stress.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can support your body. Some people find that eating oily fish, like salmon, may help because of omega-3 fats, but no diet cures arthritis. Regular low-impact exercise strengthens the muscles around your joints, which protects them. A physical therapist can design a safe program for you.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with chronic pain can affect your mood and mental health. It is normal to feel frustrated, anxious, or low at times. Talk to your healthcare provider if you notice these feelings lasting more than two weeks. If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself, please call your local emergency number right away.

Prevention

You cannot fully prevent arthritis, especially types that run in families or happen with aging. But you can reduce your risk of developing some types by staying physically active, protecting your joints from injury, and keeping a healthy weight. These steps also slow down future joint damage.

Vaccines

Vaccines do not prevent arthritis, but staying up to date with routine vaccinations helps protect you from infections that could trigger worsening joint symptoms.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for arthritis for everyone. However, if you have a family history or symptoms, a doctor may check your joints and order tests to catch problems early.

Complications

If left untreated

• Long-term joint damage and deformity
• Loss of movement and difficulty doing everyday tasks
• Weakened muscles from reduced activity
• Higher risk of falls and fractures
• Increased strain on other joints as you compensate for a sore one

Long-term outlook

For most people, arthritis is a lifelong condition, but it does not have to stop you from living well. With early care, the right treatment, and support, many people keep working, exercising, and enjoying their lives. Newer advances in medicine and rehabilitation continue to improve the outlook, and there are many ways to manage pain and maintain independence.

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