Arthritis

Overview

“Arthritis” literally means inflammation of a joint, but in everyday use it covers several very different conditions that share joint pain and stiffness. The three main types seen in general medical practice are osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear), rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune inflammation), and gout (crystal deposition). They differ in cause, pattern and treatment, so the first step is always to identify which type is present. This is the overview page; each type has its own focused page.

The main types

• Osteoarthritis — wear-and-tear of joint cartilage, common with age and in weight-bearing joints; mechanical pain with brief stiffness (see Osteoarthritis).
• Rheumatoid arthritis — autoimmune inflammation of the joint lining, typically symmetrical small joints with prolonged morning stiffness (see Rheumatoid Arthritis).
• Gout — uric-acid crystals in joints, causing sudden severe attacks, classically the big toe (see Gout and High Uric Acid).
• Other inflammatory arthritides — psoriatic, reactive, ankylosing spondylitis (see Inflammatory Joint Pain).
• Septic arthritis — infection in a joint, urgent (see Joint Swelling).

Why the type matters

The treatment of each type is completely different. Osteoarthritis is managed mainly with lifestyle, exercise and careful pain relief. Rheumatoid arthritis needs prompt disease-modifying treatment to prevent joint damage. Gout needs anti-inflammatory treatment for flares and uric-acid-lowering treatment long term. Treating one type as another — for example, assuming inflammatory arthritis is just wear — can lead to permanent joint damage.

Evaluation and investigations

Evaluation combines the joint pattern with selected tests — inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP), rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP, uric acid, and X-rays. The tests are chosen from the pattern, not ordered as a blanket panel. See Abnormal Test Results for interpreting the individual blood tests.

Management overview

Management is type-specific and detailed on each type’s page. Across all types, maintaining movement, a healthy weight, and function is central, and prompt specialist referral is arranged for inflammatory arthritis, infection, or structural damage.

Warning signs — seek prompt care

• A hot, swollen joint with fever — possible infection, urgent.
• Rapid onset of symmetrical joint pain and prolonged stiffness — possible inflammatory arthritis.
• Joint pain with progressive deformity or loss of function.

How we help

Dr. Nayak identifies which type of arthritis you have, orders focused tests, and builds a type-specific plan — with rheumatology or orthopaedic referral when needed. Consultations are available in-clinic in Bhubaneswar and over teleconsultation.

Related conditions and patient concerns

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Gout
• Inflammatory Joint Pain
• Joint Pain
• Abnormal Test Results