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Arthritis
Home / Health Conditions / Arthritis
What Is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a general term for conditions that cause inflammation in one or more joints. It can lead to pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility. While arthritis is more common in older adults, it can affect people of all ages — including children.
Arthritis can affect your ability to move and enjoy daily life. Instant Consult connects you with Australian-registered doctors online, so you can get the support, advice, and treatment you need, quickly and from the comfort of home.
“Prompt consultation with a Dr made this so much more convenient and cost effective when not able to see my own GP.” – Judy B.
Common Types of Arthritis
There are over 100 types of arthritis, but the most common include:
Cause: Wear and tear of cartilage over time, often due to age, injury, or overuse.
Onset: Gradual.
Common joints: Knees, hips, hands, spine.
Symptoms:
- – Aching pain
- – Stiffness (especially after rest)
- – Reduced flexibility
- – Bone spurs (in some cases)
Risk factors: Aging, obesity, joint injuries, repetitive motion jobs.
Treatment:
While there’s no cure, osteoarthritis can often be managed with:
- -Weight management and low-impact exercise
- – Pain relief medications (e.g. paracetamol, NSAIDs)
- – Joint support braces or physiotherapy
- – Corticosteroid injections
- – Referral to orthopaedic specialists if needed
Cause: Build-up of uric acid crystals in the joints, often from diet or kidney issues.
Onset: Sudden and intense attacks, often overnight.
Common joints: Big toe, ankles, knees.
Symptoms:
- – Severe pain
- – Swelling
- – Redness and warmth
Triggers: Alcohol, red meat, seafood, sugary drinks, dehydration.
Treatment:
Gout is highly treatable with:
- – Medications to reduce uric acid (e.g. allopurinol)
- – Anti-inflammatory drugs during flare-ups
- – Dietary and lifestyle changes
- – Increased hydration
Cause: Autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks joint linings.
Onset: Can start gradually or suddenly, usually before age 60.
Common joints: Hands, wrists, knees, feet (symmetrical involvement).
Symptoms:
- – Joint pain and swelling
- – Morning stiffness > 30 minutes
- – Fatigue, low-grade fever
- – Can affect other organs (lungs, heart)
Treatment:
RA requires medical management to slow disease progression:
- – Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
- – Biologics or targeted therapies (via rheumatologist)
- – Anti-inflammatory medications
- – Physical therapy and lifestyle support
While a GP cannot diagnose RA alone, Instant Consult doctors can provide initial assessments, order blood tests, and refer you to a rheumatologist for further care.
How can we help
Instant Consult offers you a quality alternative service that lets you virtually see a doctor when it suits you.
You can access our services between 6 am until midnight, 7 days a week including public holidays. What’s more, with a wait time less than 15 minutes, there is no hanging around or wasting your time.
You don’t need to live with joint pain or wait weeks for care. Book a consultation now and speak to an AU-registered GP via Instant Consult now!
