Inflammation of one or more joints. Review possible symptoms, contributing factors, assessment, warning signs and care options.
About Arthritis
Inflammation of one or more joints
Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain and stiffness that can worsen with age.
The most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Editorial update (28 September 2026): structured medical content awaits clinical reviewer sign-off.
How assessment may be approached
A clinician may review pain location, injury, stiffness, swelling, numbness, weakness and functional limits. Examination and imaging or laboratory tests are selected based on history rather than automatically.
Care may include activity modification, exercise-based rehabilitation, medicines for a defined period, joint or specialist review, and return-to-activity planning. Ask how progress will be measured.
When to seek prompt care
Seek urgent assessment for inability to bear weight after injury, a deformed limb, severe back pain with bladder or bowel changes, new leg weakness, fever with severe joint or back pain, or a hot swollen joint.
Symptoms
- Joint pain
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Reduced range of motion
- Redness
Possible causes
- Wear and tear (osteoarthritis)
- Autoimmune (rheumatoid)
- Injury
- Genetics
- Obesity
Care and treatment options
- Pain relievers
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy
- Joint replacement surgery
- Lifestyle modifications
Key points
- Affects 350 million people worldwide
- Leading cause of disability
- More common in women
- Cannot be cured but managed
Preparing for a consultation
- When symptoms began and whether injury or strain was involved.
- Activities that worsen or improve the problem.
- Pain, swelling, stiffness, numbness or weakness.
- Previous imaging, physiotherapy, medicines and work demands.
Questions worth asking
- Is Arthritis the most likely explanation for these symptoms, and what alternatives should be checked?
- Which symptoms or findings would require urgent review?
- Are medicines, underlying health problems or lifestyle factors contributing?
- What tests or examinations are needed now, and what can safely wait?
- What treatment or self-care options are reasonable, and when should I be reviewed again?
- What is the expected benefit, limit, cost and follow-up plan for the suggested care?
Related conditions
Related clinicians
Related tests
Medical information limitations
This page summarizes listed condition information and cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. Do not start, stop or change prescribed treatment based only on this page.
Common questions
What is Arthritis?
Inflammation of one or more joints This is general information; the name describes a possible diagnosis or clinical problem, not a personal diagnosis.
How might a clinician assess Arthritis?
A clinician may review pain location, injury, stiffness, swelling, numbness, weakness and functional limits. Examination and imaging or laboratory tests are selected based on history rather than automatically.
What care may be discussed?
Care options listed include Pain relievers, Anti-inflammatory medications, Physical therapy, Joint replacement surgery. Which option is appropriate depends on the confirmed cause, severity, preferences and contraindications.
When should Arthritis be checked urgently?
Seek urgent assessment for inability to bear weight after injury, a deformed limb, severe back pain with bladder or bowel changes, new leg weakness, fever with severe joint or back pain, or a hot swollen joint.
How should I prepare for a consultation?
When symptoms began and whether injury or strain was involved. Activities that worsen or improve the problem. Pain, swelling, stiffness, numbness or weakness. Previous imaging, physiotherapy, medicines and work demands. Bring previous reports and a current medicine list where relevant.
Can this page diagnose or treat the condition?
No. A page about Arthritis can help you understand possible features and questions, but it cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. A qualified clinician should assess your symptoms, history and any test results.
General information only; it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a qualified clinician’s advice.