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Arthritis Pain
Arthritis pain comes from inflamed or worn joints, most commonly from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. A combination of activity, therapy and medicine helps keep pain and stiffness under control.
Causes & risk factors
- Osteoarthritis (age-related joint wear)
- Rheumatoid and other inflammatory arthritis
- Previous joint injury
- Being overweight (extra load on joints)
- Family history
- Gout and other crystal arthritis
Common symptoms
- Joint pain
- Stiffness, especially in the morning
- Swelling of the joints
- Reduced movement
- Pain worse with activity or at the end of the day
Tests & diagnosis
Treatment & management
- Staying active with joint-friendly exercise
- Weight management to reduce joint load
- Simple pain relief and anti-inflammatory medicines as advised
- Physiotherapy and occupational therapy
- Disease-modifying medicines for inflammatory arthritis; joint injections or surgery in some cases
When to see a doctor urgently
- A hot, very swollen and painful joint with fever — seek urgent care (possible joint infection)
- New joint swelling with prolonged morning stiffness — get reviewed for inflammatory arthritis
- Joint pain that is severe or limiting daily life
- Sudden inability to use a joint
Frequently asked questions
Should I rest or exercise arthritic joints?
Gentle, regular exercise is one of the best treatments — it keeps joints mobile and strengthens supporting muscles. Complete rest can stiffen joints. A physiotherapist can guide safe, joint-friendly activity.
What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is wear-and-tear of joints, usually with age. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joints, often with prolonged morning stiffness. Their treatments differ.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.