Overview
Arthritis care is about reducing pain and preserving movement.
Arthritis is not one single condition. It can include osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis and other joint disorders. Patients may feel pain, stiffness, swelling, grinding or difficulty walking. The right plan depends on the type of arthritis, stage of joint damage, age, lifestyle and function goals.
Function firstThe plan focuses on walking, stairs, work and daily independence.
Stage assessmentX-rays and examination help understand joint wear and inflammation.
Long-term planningWeight, exercise, medicines and follow-up matter in arthritis care.
Advanced optionsInjections or replacement surgery may be discussed for severe disease.
Common arthritis symptoms
- Pain that worsens with use or after long activity
- Morning stiffness or stiffness after sitting
- Swelling, warmth, tenderness or reduced movement
- Grinding, creaking or joint deformity
- Difficulty walking, climbing stairs or getting up from a chair
Care pathway
- 1Diagnosis and staging
The doctor evaluates symptoms, joint movement, deformity, inflammation and imaging.
- 2Conservative care
Medicines, physiotherapy, exercises, weight guidance, braces and activity modification may help.
- 3Injection or procedure planning
Selected patients may benefit from injections or other interventions depending on joint condition.
- 4Surgical discussion when severe
For advanced joint damage affecting life quality, joint replacement may be considered after evaluation.
Sudden hot swollen joint, fever, severe unexplained pain or rapid worsening should be evaluated urgently.