Inflammatory Arthritis

Overview

Inflammatory arthritis is a group of long-term conditions where the body's immune system, which normally fights infection, mistakenly attacks the joints. This causes inflammation — heat, swelling, pain, and stiffness. It is different from the wear-and-tear type of arthritis that comes with aging. Inflammatory arthritis can also affect other parts of the body, such as the eyes, skin, and lungs. It is not contagious.

Inflammatory arthritis is fairly common. Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common types, and other types also affect many people worldwide.

It can affect anyone, including children. Some types are more common in women, and some begin in younger adults, but older adults can develop them too.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Joint pain, swelling, warmth, and tenderness
• Stiffness after rest or in the morning, often lasting more than 30 minutes
• Several joints affected, often on both sides of the body
• Small joints of the hands, wrists, and feet are often involved
• Tiredness and low energy
• Low fever, weight loss, or feeling generally unwell
• Eye redness, pain, or blurred vision
• Skin rash or nail changes in some types

Symptoms in children

• A swollen, painful, or stiff joint that lasts more than a few weeks
• Limping or not wanting to use an arm or leg
• Morning stiffness or stiffness after naps
• Unexplained fever or rash
• Eye redness, pain, or vision changes
• Poor appetite, slowed growth, or being more tired than usual

Symptoms in older adults

• New joint swelling or stiffness that should not be dismissed as normal aging
• Sudden stiffness in the shoulders or hips, sometimes with fatigue
• Symptoms that affect walking, dressing, or daily activities
• A flare that comes with fever or feeling generally unwell

Causes

Main causes

• The immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation.
• Genes and environmental triggers often work together, so there is usually no single cause.
• It is not caused by normal wear and tear, and it cannot be spread from person to person.

Risk factors

• Family history of inflammatory arthritis or other autoimmune conditions
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Some infections that may trigger the immune system in susceptible people
• Hormonal changes, such as around pregnancy or menopause
• Certain genes that are more common in some types of inflammatory arthritis

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• A hot, swollen joint with fever or feeling very unwell
• Severe eye pain, redness, light sensitivity, or vision changes
• A sudden severe flare that is different from your usual symptoms
• New weakness or numbness in a limb, or trouble speaking — call your local emergency number

Book a routine appointment if:

• Joint pain, swelling, or stiffness that lasts more than a few weeks
• Morning stiffness that lasts more than 30 minutes
• Joint symptoms affecting several joints or both sides of the body
• Fatigue, low fever, or weight loss along with joint symptoms
• A family history of inflammatory arthritis and new joint symptoms
• Eye redness or pain, even if your joints feel stable

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, examine your joints, and may order tests. Diagnosis often involves a rheumatologist — a doctor who specializes in joint and immune-system conditions. There is no single test that proves inflammatory arthritis, so the doctor will look at the whole picture.

Tests that may be done

• Blood tests for inflammation and immune markers
• X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI scans to look at joints and damage
• A joint fluid sample, taken with a small needle, to check for infection or crystals
• Blood tests to rule out other conditions
• Regular eye checks if your type of arthritis can affect the eyes

What to expect at your appointment

It may take more than one visit to reach a diagnosis. Your doctor may ask you to track symptoms, flares, and how your joints feel over time. Ask questions about each test and what the results mean for you.

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation, relieve pain and stiffness, protect joints, and help you stay active. Treatment is tailored to the type of inflammatory arthritis and your needs. Early treatment is important because it can help prevent long-term joint damage.

Self-care at home

• Balance activity with rest during flares
• Keep joints moving with gentle exercise and stretching
• Use warmth or cold packs for comfort
• Protect your joints during daily tasks
• Get enough sleep and manage stress
• Stay at a healthy weight if that is right for you
• Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke
• Ask your pharmacist before taking any over-the-counter pain or cold medicines

Medical treatments

Doctors may use medicines that reduce inflammation and medicines that calm the immune system and slow joint damage. Some people need short courses of stronger anti-inflammatory treatment during flares. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, eye care, and vaccinations are also part of good care. Your healthcare team will choose and adjust treatment based on your symptoms and test results.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not usually the first treatment. It may be considered if there is severe joint damage, ongoing pain, or loss of function that does not improve with other care. A rheumatology or orthopaedic team can discuss the risks and benefits with you.

Living with this condition

Inflammatory arthritis can be up and down. A flare plan can help: know your early warning signs, pace yourself, and ask for help when needed. At work or school, simple adjustments such as flexible hours, better seating, or assistive tools can make a difference. Keep a list of questions for your healthcare team.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay as active as your joints allow, with low-impact movement
• Build strength gently with guidance from a physiotherapist
• Protect your joints during heavy or repeated tasks
• Keep up with vaccines after checking with your care team
• Look after your sleep and stress levels
• Ask for workplace or school adjustments if you need them

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and healthy proteins supports general health. Enough calcium and vitamin D helps bone health. Exercise that is gentle on the joints — such as walking, swimming, or cycling — can reduce stiffness and improve mood. Start slowly, and ask a physiotherapist for a plan that suits you.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Long-term pain, fatigue, and uncertainty can affect mood and confidence. Feeling low or anxious is common and treatable. Talk to your doctor or rheumatology team about how you feel. If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself, contact your local emergency number or local crisis service right away.

Prevention

Most types of inflammatory arthritis cannot be prevented. Not smoking, staying at a healthy weight, and getting early care may reduce risk or help limit complications. Early treatment is the best way to protect joints.

Vaccines

Vaccines are an important part of care, especially because some arthritis medicines affect the immune system. Ask your rheumatology team which vaccines are safe for you and when to have them.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for inflammatory arthritis. Regular eye checks and bone health checks may be recommended for some people, depending on their condition and treatment.

Complications

If left untreated

• Joint damage and changes in joint shape
• Ongoing pain, stiffness, and difficulty with daily tasks
• Weakened bones
• Higher risk of heart and blood vessel problems
• Lung or eye inflammation in some types
• Higher risk of infections, especially with some medicines
• Fatigue, low mood, and anxiety

Long-term outlook

Most people with inflammatory arthritis can control their symptoms with early care and live full, active lives. It is a long-term condition and flares can happen, but modern treatment helps many people stay at work, enjoy hobbies, and manage daily life. Your healthcare team can adjust your care as your needs change.

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