Arthritis refers to a group of conditions that affect the joints, causing symptoms such as pain, swelling, stiffness and reduced mobility. Common types include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and psoriatic arthritis. Although their causes differ, appropriate treatment can help relieve symptoms, protect joint function and improve quality of life.

Treatment may involve medication, physiotherapy, lifestyle adjustments or surgery in selected cases. Through Tabeebo, you can explore healthcare professionals who provide arthritis-related care and compare available services before contacting a specialist.

What Are the Main Types of Arthritis?

Arthritis is not one single disease. The type of joint condition determines which treatments may help.

Type	Main cause or mechanism	Typical symptoms
Osteoarthritis (OA)	Changes affecting cartilage, bone and other joint tissues	Pain during activity, stiffness and reduced mobility
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)	Autoimmune inflammation affecting the joints	Swelling, prolonged morning stiffness and often symmetrical joint involvement
Gout	Formation of monosodium urate crystals in joints	Sudden, intensely painful attacks, often affecting the big toe
Psoriatic arthritis	Immune-mediated inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis	Joint pain, swelling, stiffness and sometimes nail changes

Osteoarthritis is the most common form. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 528 million people worldwide were living with osteoarthritis in 2019.

Rheumatoid arthritis differs because uncontrolled inflammation can progressively damage joints and sometimes affect other organs. Early specialist treatment is particularly important.

Common Arthritis Symptoms

Symptoms vary according to the underlying condition, but may include:

Persistent joint pain or tenderness.
Swelling, warmth or stiffness.
Reduced range of motion.
Difficulty walking, gripping objects or performing daily activities.
Fatigue, particularly with inflammatory arthritis.

Morning stiffness lasting a long time, especially when accompanied by swelling in several joints, may suggest inflammatory arthritis and deserves medical evaluation.

When Is Joint Pain an Emergency?

Sudden, severe pain in a hot, swollen joint requires urgent medical assessment, particularly if fever or an inability to bear weight is present.

An infection inside the joint, known as septic arthritis, can cause serious damage if treatment is delayed.

How Is Arthritis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis begins with a medical history and physical examination.

Depending on the suspected condition, a doctor may recommend blood tests such as CRP, ESR, rheumatoid factor or anti-CCP antibodies.

Imaging may include X-rays, ultrasound or MRI when clinically indicated. Joint-fluid analysis can help identify gout crystals or investigate possible infection.

Not every patient needs every test. Osteoarthritis can often be diagnosed clinically without routine imaging.

Arthritis Treatment: What Options Are Available?

The most appropriate treatment depends on the type of arthritis, its severity and the patient’s overall health.

1. Medication

For osteoarthritis, topical anti-inflammatory medicines may help relieve pain, particularly in the knee. Oral NSAIDs may also be considered, although they can cause gastrointestinal, kidney or cardiovascular complications.

Rheumatoid arthritis requires a different approach. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as methotrexate, aim to control inflammation and prevent joint damage. Biologic or targeted treatments may be appropriate for selected patients.

Gout treatment may include medication to relieve acute attacks and, when indicated, long-term urate-lowering therapy.

Painkillers alone do not control the underlying disease in rheumatoid arthritis or prevent future gout attacks.

2. Physiotherapy and Exercise

Individualized exercise is a core treatment for osteoarthritis.

Appropriate activities may include walking, cycling, swimming, muscle strengthening and balance exercises.

Physiotherapy can help patients maintain mobility and improve everyday function. Occupational therapy may also provide practical strategies for protecting joints.

Learn more about Physical Therapy on Tabeebo.

3. Weight Management and Self-Care

For people with overweight or obesity and weight-bearing joint osteoarthritis, weight reduction may reduce pain and improve function.

Maintaining appropriate physical activity, avoiding smoking, getting adequate sleep and managing other medical conditions can also support overall wellbeing.

No particular diet or supplement has been proven to cure every type of arthritis.

4. Injections and Surgery

Corticosteroid joint injections may provide temporary relief in selected conditions.

For patients with severe hip or knee osteoarthritis whose symptoms remain significantly disabling despite appropriate non-surgical treatment, joint replacement may be considered.

Arthroscopic cleaning is not routinely recommended for osteoarthritis, according to NICE clinical guidance.

Surgery is not the standard first-line treatment for most arthritis conditions.

Which Specialist Treats Arthritis?

The appropriate professional depends on the diagnosis.

Rheumatologists evaluate inflammatory and autoimmune joint diseases, including rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis.
Orthopedic surgeons assess advanced structural joint problems and possible joint replacement.
Physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists help manage pain, movement limitations and functional recovery.

For more detailed information, visit Rheumatoid Arthritis on Tabeebo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can arthritis be cured permanently?

There is no universal cure for all types. However, many conditions can be effectively managed, and some patients with inflammatory arthritis achieve remission with appropriate treatment.

Is arthritis the same as osteoarthritis?

No. Osteoarthritis is one type of arthritis. Other types, including rheumatoid arthritis and gout, have different causes and treatments.

Is walking good for arthritis?

Walking and other suitable low-impact activities can help many patients maintain mobility. Exercise should be adjusted to the affected joints and individual symptoms.

When should I see a rheumatologist?

Seek specialist assessment for persistent swollen joints, prolonged morning stiffness or suspected inflammatory arthritis. Sudden, severe swelling of a hot joint requires urgent evaluation rather than a routine appointment.

Find Arthritis Specialists Through Tabeebo

Arthritis management is most effective when treatment matches the underlying diagnosis.

On Tabeebo, you can compare available profiles of rheumatologists, rehabilitation specialists and other relevant healthcare providers, review their services and contact them to discuss assessment and treatment options.