Arthritis and joint pain at a Glance
Most common causes
- Osteoarthritis (wear and tear)
- Inflammatory arthritis
- Gout
- Injury
- Age-related changes
When to seek medical attention
- Hot, red, swollen joint
- Joint pain with fever
- Sudden severe pain
- Multiple joints affected
- Stiffness lasting long in the morning
Specialist: Dr Rahul K Damani · Orthopedics
What is Arthritis and joint pain?
Joint pain can affect the knees, hips, hands, wrists or other joints, and ranges from mild stiffness to disabling pain. The most common cause is osteoarthritis — wear and tear of the joint with age or use. Other causes include inflammatory arthritis, gout, and injury. Identifying the type of arthritis matters, because treatment differs: some joints need protection and exercise, while inflammatory types need specific medical treatment to prevent damage.
Common Causes
Osteoarthritis
- • Pain with activity
- • Morning stiffness that eases
- • Swelling
- • Common in knees and hands
Inflammatory Arthritis
- • Multiple joints
- • Prolonged morning stiffness
- • Swelling
- • May need specific treatment
Gout
- • Sudden severe pain
- • Hot, red, swollen joint (often the big toe)
- • Comes in attacks
Injury / Overuse
- • Pain after activity or injury
- • Localised tenderness
Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored
- ▸ A hot, red, very swollen joint
- ▸ Joint pain with fever or feeling unwell
- ▸ Sudden, severe joint pain
- ▸ Several joints painful and swollen together
- ▸ Prolonged morning stiffness
- ▸ Joint pain that limits daily activities
How Doctors Evaluate Arthritis and joint pain
Your consultation may include: a history of which joints, when and how, examination for swelling and movement, X-rays of affected joints, and blood tests (including for inflammation and uric acid) when an inflammatory cause or gout is suspected. Pinpointing the type of arthritis guides the right treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Arthritis and joint pain Care in Guwahati
Patients from Beltola, GS Road, Dispur, Six Mile, Ganeshguri, Hengrabari, Lalmati and Bhetapara can consult our Orthopedics specialist at Healthwrx. Expert joint care close to home.
Related Pages
Common Questions
When is joint pain an emergency?
Seek urgent care for a hot, red, very swollen joint, especially with fever, as this needs prompt evaluation.
Which doctor treats joint pain and arthritis?
An orthopedic specialist diagnoses and treats joint pain and arthritis, referring on for specialised care when needed.
Can arthritis be slowed down?
Yes. Early treatment, exercise and weight management can slow progression and reduce pain.