Arthritis

What it feels like

• Joint pain that is worse with use (osteoarthritis) or worse after rest (inflammatory arthritis)
• Stiffness, particularly in the morning; long-lasting morning stiffness suggests an inflammatory cause
• Swelling, warmth or redness of a joint
• Reduced movement and difficulty with stairs, gripping or walking distances
• Deformity of the joint in advanced disease

Common causes

• Osteoarthritis

  Gradual wear of the cartilage covering the joint surface, more common with age, previous injury and excess weight.

• Rheumatoid arthritis

  An autoimmune condition in which the lining of the joint becomes inflamed. It often affects the small joints of the hands and feet on both sides, with fatigue and prolonged morning stiffness.

• Gout

  Crystals of uric acid forming in a joint, causing sudden, severe, hot swelling, classically of the big toe but also the knee and ankle.

• Post-traumatic arthritis

  Wear that develops in a joint years after a fracture or ligament injury.

When to seek care straight away

How it is assessed at the centre

1. 01A consultation and examination of the affected joints and the pattern of joints involved.
2. 02Digital X-ray on site to look at the joint space and bone changes.
3. 03Blood tests, arranged to check markers of inflammation, uric acid and tests for rheumatoid arthritis.
4. 04Joint-fluid testing where infection or gout needs to be confirmed.

Treatment options

• Exercise, weight and physiotherapy

  Keeping the joint moving and the muscles around it strong is the foundation of osteoarthritis care, delivered at the on-site physiotherapy department.

  Joint Disorders

• Medicines

  Pain relief for osteoarthritis; for rheumatoid arthritis and gout, medicines that control the underlying disease, managed with the physician.

  General Medicine

• Injections and joint preservation

  Injections into the joint for flare-ups, and procedures that aim to relieve pain and delay replacement in earlier disease.

  Joint Disorders

• Joint replacement

  For advanced arthritis of the knee, hip or shoulder that limits daily life despite other treatment.

  Joint Replacement Surgery

Questions patients ask

Can arthritis be cured?

Osteoarthritis cannot be reversed, but pain and function can be improved considerably with exercise, weight management, medicines and, when needed, surgery. Inflammatory arthritis can often be brought under control with the right medicines.

Is walking bad for arthritic knees?

No. Regular, moderate walking and strengthening exercise generally reduce pain and keep the joint working. Pain that flares badly after activity should be discussed at a consultation.

How do I book a consultation?

Call 080 2664 3970 or 96201 51588 during consultation hours, Monday to Saturday, 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm.

What if it happens at night or on a Sunday?

Accident and trauma care is available at any hour. Call the emergency line, 98450 75749.