Arthritis
Arthritis refers to inflammation in one or more joints, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced movement. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe and may come and go over time. Understanding the type of arthritis you have and how it affects your joints can help you explore the most suitable options for managing symptoms and staying active.
Overview | Symptoms & Causes | Diagnosis | Treatment Options
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a general term for conditions that cause joint pain and stiffness. It affects millions of people in the UK and can occur at any age. Commonly affected areas include the knees, hips, hands, and lower back, which can lead to reduced flexibility or movement.
There are over 100 forms of arthritis, but most people are affected by one of two main types: osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthritis. Although both cause joint pain and stiffness, the underlying causes are very different.
Types of Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
The most common type of arthritis. It occurs when the smooth cartilage that cushions the ends of bones gradually wears away. As this protective layer becomes thinner, bones may rub together, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced movement.
It most often affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine, and symptoms tend to develop slowly over time.
Common symptoms include:
-Pain and stiffness that are worse after rest or at the end of the day.
-Swelling or tenderness around the joint.
-Reduced flexibility or movement.
-A grating or clicking sensation when moving the joint.
Inflammatory Arthritis
Inflammatory arthritis refers to a group of autoimmune conditions where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own joints, causing inflammation and damage. The most common type is rheumatoid arthritis, but other forms include psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
This inflammation can affect multiple joints at once, often on both sides of the body, and may also cause fatigue and general unwellness.
Common symptoms include:
-Morning stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes.
-Swelling, heat, and redness around the joints.
-Pain that improves with gentle movement.
-Tiredness, low energy, or mild fever.
What causes arthritis?
Anyone can develop arthritis, but some factors can increase your likelihood of developing joint problems. You may be more at risk if you:
- Are over 50: The risk of most types of arthritis increases with age.
- Have a family history of arthritis: Some forms can run in families, especially inflammatory arthritis.
- Are female: Women are more likely to develop certain types, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
- Have had previous joint injuries: Past damage, such as from sports or accidents, can lead to arthritis later in life.
- Have a physically demanding job: Repetitive movements or heavy lifting can put extra stress on the joints.
- Are overweight: Carrying extra weight increases pressure on weight-bearing joints like the hips, knees, and spine.
- Smoke or use tobacco: This increases inflammation and is a strong risk factor for inflammatory arthritis.
- Have other health conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, autoimmune diseases, or hormonal changes can raise your risk.
- Are less physically active: Regular movement helps keep joints healthy and flexible; inactivity can make stiffness worse.
Diagnosing Arthritis
If you have ongoing joint pain, stiffness, or swelling, your doctor will start by asking about your symptoms and medical history, and by examining your joints for tenderness, warmth, or reduced movement.
Osteoarthritis: For osteoarthritis, diagnosis is often based on your symptoms and a physical examination. In some cases, imaging tests can help confirm the diagnosis or assess joint damage.
Inflammatory arthritis: For inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, your doctor may also arrange blood tests to check for inflammation and antibodies linked to autoimmune conditions.
Early diagnosis is important, especially for inflammatory types, as timely treatment can help protect your joints and improve long-term outcomes.
Common imaging tests include:
| Ultrasound | Detects joint inflammation, fluid build-up, or soft tissue problems. |
| X-Ray | Shows joint space narrowing, bone changes, or the formation of bony spurs. |
| MRI Scan | Provides detailed images of the soft tissues, cartilage, and early joint changes not visible on X-ray. |
Treatment Options
There’s no cure for arthritis, but treatment can help manage symptoms, reduce pain, and improve joint function. The best approach depends on the type of arthritis, which joints are affected, and how severe your symptoms are.
Common treatments include:
| Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medicines | Over-the-counter options such as paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage mild pain and stiffness. |
| Prescription medications | Depending on the type of arthritis, you may be offered stronger anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to help control inflammation and prevent joint damage. |
| Physiotherapy | A physiotherapist can guide you through tailored exercises to improve joint mobility, build strength, and support surrounding muscles. They can also advise on pacing, activity modification, and strategies to reduce pain during daily movement. |
| Injections | Steroid injections can reduce inflammation and provide pain relief for several months. Other options, such as hyaluronic acid injections, may help improve joint lubrication and reduce discomfort in some people, particularly with osteoarthritis. |
| Lifestyle changes | Keeping to a healthy weight, staying active, and stopping smoking can all help reduce pressure on joints and slow the progression of arthritis |
Surgical Options
Surgery is usually considered only when other treatments haven’t provided enough relief. The main options include:
| Joint Fusion | Permanently joining two bones to reduce pain in severely damaged joints, often used for the spine or ankle. |
| Joint replacement (arthroplasty) | Replacing a worn or damaged joint, such as the hip or knee, with an artificial one. |
Your healthcare team will discuss the most appropriate treatment plan based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and goals.
How can Lanthorn help?
Ultrasound of Muscles, Joints and Tendons - From £300
Provides real-time images of joints, tendons, and soft tissues, helping identify inflammation, fluid buildup, tendon problems, and early signs of arthritis. It’s quick, painless, and useful for both diagnosis and monitoring.
Ultrasound-guided injections - From £450
Steroid injections help reduce inflammation and ease pain in affected joints, while hyaluronic acid can improve lubrication and comfort, particularly in osteoarthritis. Ultrasound guidance ensures the medication is placed accurately in the joint for greater effectiveness and comfort.
Musculoskeletal MRI - From £350
Offers detailed views of joints, cartilage, ligaments, and surrounding structures. MRI can detect early joint changes, assess the severity of arthritis, and help guide treatment decisions when symptoms are complex or unclear.
