Rheumatology
What is joint pain?
Joint pain may be due to inflammation or linked to age related change in joints.
Arthritis describes a range of different conditions, including osteoarthritis and autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
For information on osteoarthritis we have dedicated sections relevant to this generally but also joint specific sections on other parts of the site. For example, if you have been advised you have osteoarthritis of the knee, then check the knee section of the website.
If you have been told you may have a rheumatology issue, then this section is for you. There are many different conditions within rheumatology but the most common ones are covered here.
If you are undiagnosed and feel you have a rheumatology issue then do seek a clinical opinion first. This site should run alongside a clinical opinion, rather than replace it.
Types of joint pain
Ankylosing Spondylitis – Click to read more
An inflammatory arthritis of the back and spine which can occur with or without inflammation in other joints.
Early Inflammatory Arthritis – Click to read more
New onset early inflammatory arthritis is characterised by unexplained joint swelling, pain and stiffness. Symptoms are typically worse first thing in the morning and relieved with activity.
Gout/CPPD – Click to read more
Pain in a joint, which is often acutely severe for 1-2 weeks (common in the big toe, feet, knees, elbows, wrists or hands). It is caused by uric acid crystals around joints.
Joint Hypermobility – Click to read more
Often referred to as ‘being double-jointed’, this is a common presentation where joints are very flexible & click. It can be associated with pain, fatigue and in some cases more widespread issues.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis – Click to read more
An inflammatory condition in children and young people, causing joint swelling and pain which has been ongoing for more than 6 weeks.
Osteoarthritis – Click to read more
The most common form of arthritis. The joint can be painful, stiff and swollen. It normally occurs in people over the age of 45.
Polymyalgia Rheumatica – Click to read more
This inflammatory condition causes sudden and widespread pain, often associated with feeling generally unwell, a fever, weight loss and overwhelming tiredness. Typically occurs in people over 60.
Psoriatic Arthritis – Click to read more
A painful inflammatory condition of the joints, most commonly affecting people who already have psoriasis, a skin condition that causes a red, scaly rash.
Raynauds – Click to read more
Colour changes accompanied by pain or a tingling feeling in the fingers in response to cold temperature