10 Common Joint Problems – When to Worry and When to See a Doctor

1. Osteoarthritis

• What it is: Age-related wear and tear (and inflammation) of joint
• Symptoms: Joint pain, stiffness, limited mobility, and swelling
• When to Worry: If you experience persistent joint pain, swelling or stiffness
• When to See a Doctor: If pain persists or worsens over time

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis

• What it is: Autoimmune disease causing inflammation and joint damage. Affects whole body, not just joints
• Symptoms: Joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited mobility
• When to Worry: If you experience persistent joint pain or swelling
• When to See a Doctor: If symptoms persist or worsen over time

3. Gout

• What it is: Rapid inflammation and swelling in a joint, often in the big toe – due to excess uric acid in the joint
• Symptoms: Rapid, severe joint pain (especially big toe), redness, and swelling
• When to Worry: If you experience sudden, severe joint pain
• When to See a Doctor: Soon if symptoms occur

• What it is: Inflammation of tendons, causing pain and stiffness
• Symptoms: Pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected tendon
• When to Worry: If you experience persistent pain or stiffness
• When to See a Doctor: If pain persists or worsens over time

• What it is: Inflammation of a fluid-filled sac within a joint, causing pain and swelling
• Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and redness in the affected joint
• When to Worry: If you experience persistent pain or swelling
• When to See a Doctor: If symptoms persist or worsen over time

• What it is: Ligament stretch or tear, causing pain and swelling – usually related to exercise
• Symptoms: Pain, swelling, bruising, and limited mobility
• When to Worry: If you experience severe pain or swelling
• When to See a Doctor: If pain persists or worsens over time

• What it is: Trauma or overuse causing pain and limited mobility
• Symptoms: Pain, swelling, limited mobility, and instability
• When to Worry: If you experience severe pain or swelling
• When to See a Doctor: If pain persists or worsens over time

• What it is: Trauma or overuse causing pain and limited mobility
• Symptoms: Pain, stiffness, limited mobility, and weakness
• When to Worry: If you experience persistent pain or limited mobility
• When to See a Doctor: If pain persists or worsens over time

• What it is: Various causes, including osteoarthritis (commonest, especially in older people), injury, or overuse
• Symptoms: Pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in the hip joint
• When to Worry: If you experience persistent pain or limited mobility
• When to See a Doctor: If pain persists or worsens over time

• What it is: Infection in the joint (usually bacterial)
• Symptoms: Rapid, severe joint pain, swelling, redness, and warmth
• When to Worry: If you experience sudden, severe joint pain
• When to See a Doctor: Immediately if symptoms occur

• Sudden, severe joint pain
• Joint deformity or swelling
• Fever, chills, or signs of infection
• Persistent or worsening pain
• Limited mobility or difficulty walking
• Recent trauma or injury.