When Joint Pain Is More Than wear and Tear
Occasional join aches are common. But persistent swelling, prolonged morning stiffness, or pain that does not improve may signal inflammatory arthritis. Recognizing the signs and seeking care early can protect your joints.
Inflammatory arthritis refers to conditions that cause inflammation in joints, often because the immune system attacks tissue. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis (mainly affects the spine) and arthritis associated with lupus.
Because the immune system is involved, these conditions can affect more than just the joints. People may notice fatigue or feel generally unwell, and may also experience low-grade fevers, dry eyes, skin changes, or inflammation in other organs. Morning stiffness can last an hour or more, and feeling better with movement is common. Pain, rashes, and swelling often affect the same joints on both sides of the body, such as both wrists.
Osteoarthritis is associated with changes in joint cartilage and other tissues over time. Inflammatory arthritis, by contrast, involves ongoing inflammation and can develop at any age. Without treatment, some forms can cause permanent joint damage. A family history of autoimmune disease and smoking can increase the risk of developing certain types.
While osteoarthritis may warrant a visit to an orthopedic specialist, inflammatory arthritis is typically treated by a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in immune-related conditions. Consider seeing a rheumatologist if you have:
- Joint swelling that lasts more than a few weeks
- Morning stiffness lasting longer than 30 to 60 minutes
- Joint pain along with unexplained fatigue, fever, or rashes
- A family history of autoimmune disease along with new joint symptoms
- Pain that isn’t improving with over-the-counter remedies
Treatment for inflammatory arthritis has come a long way. Many people with inflammatory arthritis can reach remission or low disease activity and keep doing the things they love. Your rheumatologist will start with an exam, blood tests, and sometimes imaging like X-rays or ultrasound. Treatment is highly-personalized and may include:
- Disease-modifying medications (DMARDs): These medicines calm the immune system to slow or stop joint damage. Methotrexate remains a cornerstone of rheumatoid arthritis treatment, slowing disease progression and reducing joint damage.
- Biologic and targeted medications: These injectable or infusion medications target specific components of the immune response to reduce inflammation and prevent joint damage.
- Short-term anti-inflammatory medicines: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) and similar prescription options can help control flares while longer-term medications take effect. While they can help manage pain, stiffness, and swelling, theydo not stop or slow down joint damage or disease progression.
- Corticosteroids: Prednisone and similar drugs can rapidly reduce inflammation during flares, though they are generally used short-term due to side effects with prolonged use.
- Physical and occupational therapy: To protect joints, keep you moving, and make daily tasks easier.
- Healthy habits: Regular gentle exercise, a balanced diet, not smoking, and good sleep all support joint health.
Joint pain is common, but you don’t have to just live with it. An early diagnosis can protect your joints and help you feel like yourself again.
Meet our MarinHealth Rheumatologists
At MarinHealth Rheumatology, our four board-certified, world-class rheumatologists practice all areas of adult rheumatology. We specialize in the treatment of arthritis, lupus and autoimmune diseases, including the use of cortisone injections to control pain and discomfort in joints and soft tissue.
Call 415-464-9604 today so our clinic team can schedule your new patient consultation right away.
