Joint Conditions – Symptoms and Treatment
Joint conditions such as osteoarthritis and the different types of arthritis cause pain, stiffness and limited movement in one or more joints. Physiotherapy and the right exercises often help ease symptoms and keep you moving.
What joint conditions are
Joint conditions are a group of problems that affect the cartilage, lining and surrounding tissues of the joints. Most often we talk about osteoarthritis, where the cartilage gradually thins and the joint tolerates load less well, and about arthritis – inflammation of the joint, which can have different origins.
Typical complaints are pain with load, stiffness after rest, and sometimes swelling and clicking. They can affect the knees, hips, hands, shoulders or spine and often vary with activity and weather.
Most joint conditions are long-term, but that does not mean nothing can be done. In many people keeping active, strengthening the muscles around the joint and managing load help reduce pain and improve function. The diagnosis and type of treatment are decided by a doctor.
What contributes to joint problems
- age-related changes in cartilage
- previous injuries to the joint
- excess weight and overload
- weak muscles around the joint
- inflammatory and autoimmune conditions
- family history and repetitive loading
How it shows up
- joint pain with movement or load
- stiffness in the morning or after sitting for long
- swelling and a feeling of warmth in the joint
- clicking or grinding with movement
- reduced range of movement
- difficulty walking, climbing stairs or gripping
How we can help
We start with a thorough assessment of the affected joint, the surrounding muscles and how you move. We combine therapeutic exercise for strength and mobility, manual therapy, therapeutic massage and physiotherapy equipment – laser, magnet, TECAR or electrotherapy – to ease pain. If the assessment shows a need for a medical examination or tests, we will refer you to a specialist.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently for sudden severe swelling, redness and a joint that is warm to the touch, especially with a fever, or if you cannot put weight on a limb after an injury. Consult a specialist too if morning stiffness lasts longer than about half an hour, several joints are affected or pain increases despite rest.
This page is for information only and does not replace an assessment by a specialist.