Understanding arthritis-related joint pain
Arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, swelling and difficulty moving a joint. It may affect walking, stairs, sleep or tasks that involve gripping and reaching. Sean Thompson, MD, evaluates arthritis-related symptoms and discusses treatment choices based on the affected joint, the diagnosis and your goals.
The aim of an evaluation is to understand what is causing your symptoms and how treatment may improve daily function. Arthritis care is not one procedure or one plan that applies to everyone.
Different types need different conversations
Arthritis evaluation considers osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis and arthritis following an injury. These conditions can involve different patterns of joint damage and may require different forms of care. The AAOS knee arthritis guide explains the distinction between degenerative and inflammatory forms of arthritis.
Tell Dr. Thompson which joints hurt, when stiffness occurs, whether there has been an injury and what activities have become difficult. An examination and appropriate tests help inform the diagnosis. If inflammatory arthritis is suspected, ask whether evaluation or ongoing care with a rheumatologist should also be part of your plan.
Exploring nonsurgical care
Conservative treatment is considered when appropriate. Depending on the joint and diagnosis, options may include physical therapy, changes to activities, medication recommendations, strengthening, supports or selected injections. Discuss the purpose and limitations of each option rather than assuming it will reverse joint damage.
Medication and injection choices should account for your other health conditions and medicines. Ask what benefit is reasonable to expect, what side effects to consider and how you will judge whether treatment is helping. A plan may need adjustment as symptoms and activity needs change.
When surgery enters the discussion
If pain and loss of function continue despite appropriate nonsurgical care, Dr. Thompson can discuss whether an operation is suitable. Options may include joint-preserving procedures, partial replacement or total replacement, depending on the diagnosis.
For arthritis affecting the hip or knee, our hip replacement and knee replacement guides explain the next discussion. Surgery involves recovery and risk as well as potential benefit. Ask which symptoms it may improve and what treatment or activity changes may still be needed afterward.
Patient questions
Does joint pain mean I have arthritis?
Not necessarily. Joint pain has several possible causes. A clinical evaluation helps distinguish arthritis from an injury or another orthopedic condition.
Should I stop being active?
Describe which movements hurt and which activities matter to you. Ask about activity changes and exercises suited to your joint rather than stopping all movement or pushing through worsening symptoms.
How will we know if the plan is working?
Choose practical goals to discuss, such as walking more comfortably, sleeping better or using your hand for daily tasks. Follow-up can review both symptoms and function and determine whether the plan needs to change.
Related patient guide
If knee symptoms are affecting your routine, read when to see a doctor for knee pain for evaluation questions and symptoms that need urgent attention.