Arthritis
Arthritis covers over 100 conditions causing joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. The two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While arthritis cannot always be cured, early diagnosis and the right treatment plan can significantly reduce pain and slow progression.
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This page provides general health information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
What is arthritis?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form — a degenerative condition where joint cartilage gradually wears down, most often affecting the knees, hips, spine, and hands. It is associated with ageing and previous joint injury.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joint lining, causing inflammation, pain, and over time joint damage. Unlike OA, RA can affect people of any age and often requires disease-modifying medication to prevent deterioration.
Symptoms
- Joint pain, tenderness, or aching — often worse after activity or in the morning
- Stiffness, particularly on waking or after periods of inactivity
- Swelling or warmth around affected joints
- Reduced range of movement and flexibility
- Fatigue and general feeling of being unwell (more common in RA)
- Joint deformity in advanced or untreated cases
Causes & risk factors
- Ageing — the risk of osteoarthritis increases significantly with age
- Previous joint injury or repetitive joint strain
- Excess body weight — increases load on weight-bearing joints
- Family history — genetic predisposition plays a role in both OA and RA
- Autoimmune dysfunction — the cause of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthritides
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have persistent joint pain, morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, or swollen joints. Early assessment is particularly important for rheumatoid arthritis — prompt treatment with disease-modifying drugs can prevent irreversible joint damage.
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Treatment options
- Pain relief — paracetamol, NSAIDs, and topical anti-inflammatories for symptom management
- Physiotherapy and exercise — essential for maintaining joint mobility and strength
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for rheumatoid arthritis — including methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine
- Steroid injections for acute flares or severe inflammation
- Lifestyle changes — weight management, low-impact exercise, and joint protection strategies
- Surgical options — joint replacement for severely damaged joints, where conservative treatment fails
How eMedClinic can help
Our rheumatologists provide online assessments for all forms of arthritis. We can help clarify your diagnosis, optimise your treatment plan, review medications, and provide referrals for imaging or specialist investigations where needed — all in English, from wherever you are.
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