It usually creeps in slowly. Knees that complain on the stairs, fingers that ache in the morning, a hip that grumbles after a long day. Most people shrug and call it old age, rub on some ointment, and carry on until the day the pain finally gets in the way of living.
Arthritis is common, but it is not one single thing, and it is not something you simply have to accept. Knowing which kind you have is the difference between the right treatment and years of unnecessary discomfort.
What arthritis actually means
Arthritis simply means inflammation of a joint, and it shows up as pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced movement. What causes that inflammation varies, and that is where the important differences lie.
The two main kinds
Osteoarthritis is the most common form and is often described as wear and tear. Over the years the smooth cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones gradually thins, so bone rubs closer to bone. It tends to affect the knees, hips, hands and spine, comes on gradually with age, and usually causes pain that worsens with activity and eases with rest.
Rheumatoid arthritis is very different. It is an autoimmune condition, meaning the body's own immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints. It often affects the same joints on both sides of the body, such as both hands or both wrists, and it typically causes marked stiffness in the morning that lasts more than half an hour. It can begin at any age and needs early treatment to protect the joints from permanent damage.
Gout is another common form, caused by sharp crystals building up in a joint, classically the big toe, and bringing on sudden, intense pain, redness and swelling. It is closely linked to diet and to other health conditions and is very treatable once recognised.
Signs it is worth getting checked
Book an appointment if you notice joint pain that lasts more than a couple of weeks, joint swelling or warmth, morning stiffness that takes a while to ease, or pain that is starting to limit what you can do.
Pay particular attention if several joints are affected at once, if the same joints on both sides hurt, or if you feel generally unwell and tired alongside the joint pain. These can point to an inflammatory type that benefits from being caught early.
How arthritis is assessed
Diagnosis starts with a careful history and an examination of the affected joints. From there, a few tests usually complete the picture, and we can do them all here.
X-rays show the joint space, wear of the cartilage and any changes in the bone, which helps confirm osteoarthritis. Ultrasound can reveal inflammation and fluid in and around a joint. Blood tests from our on site laboratory can detect the markers of inflammation and the antibodies linked to rheumatoid arthritis, and can measure the uric acid involved in gout. Bringing these together allows a clear diagnosis rather than guesswork.
How it is treated
Treatment depends on the type, which is exactly why diagnosis comes first.
For osteoarthritis, the foundations are keeping active, protecting the joints, losing excess weight to reduce load, and physiotherapy to build the muscles that support and stabilise the joint. Anti inflammatory medicines known as NSAIDs and simple pain relief help manage flare ups.
For rheumatoid arthritis, the priority is calming the overactive immune system with specific medicines that slow the disease and protect the joints. Starting these early makes a real difference, which is why prompt diagnosis matters so much.
For gout, flares are settled with medication and future attacks are prevented with treatment and dietary changes.
Our physiotherapy team plays a central role across all of these, helping you stay mobile and strong. When a joint is severely damaged and a procedure such as joint replacement is being considered, we assess you and arrange the appropriate specialist referral.
The honest bottom line
Sore joints are common, but they are not simply something to endure as the years pass. The type of arthritis you have shapes everything about the treatment, and some types reward being caught early by preventing lasting damage.
If your joints have been aching for weeks, do not just reach for another tube of ointment. Book a consultation, get the right tests, and find out exactly what you are dealing with.
Aching joints slowing you down? Get them assessed at Newtown.
Consultation, X-ray, ultrasound, laboratory testing and physiotherapy are all available under one roof at 55 Woodford Street, Port of Spain, so your joints can be examined, imaged and tested in a single visit. Our doctors can diagnose the type of arthritis and, where specialist or surgical care is needed, arrange the right referral. Our Accident and Emergency department is open 24 hours.
This article is for general education only and is not a substitute for personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your own health. If you believe you have a medical emergency, call or visit our 24-hour Accident and Emergency department immediately.