Overview
Joint arthritis refers to arthritis in the peripheral joints, such as the knees, hips, shoulders, hands and feet. It may be degenerative (osteoarthritis) or inflammatory (such as rheumatoid arthritis).
Treatment aims to control pain, improve function and slow progression where possible. Options include exercise, weight management, bracing, medication and image-guided joint injections.
Watch: Joint Arthritis explained
Video: “How to Stay Active With Osteoarthritis? - Mayo Clinic” from Mayo Clinic on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Common symptoms
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Swelling
- Reduced motion
- Pain with walking, stairs or gripping
Causes and risk factors
- Cartilage wear
- Autoimmune inflammation
- Old injuries
- Excess load on the joint
How it is diagnosed
Your clinician will review your history, examine the joint and may order X-rays, ultrasound, MRI or blood tests to look for inflammation or other causes.
Treatment options
Care is stepped: most people start with self-care and physical therapy, and move to the next step only if pain continues. Some problems, such as nerve weakness, may skip ahead. Your exam, imaging and goals decide which options fit you.
Self-care and lifestyle
Stay active with low-impact exercise, manage weight and protect painful joints.
Physical therapy and medications
Physical or occupational therapy and medicines that are safe for you.
Injections and nerve blocks
Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections may help selected joints.
Minimally invasive procedures
PRP is an evolving, usually self-pay option for some patients.
Surgical evaluation
Arthroscopic surgery or joint replacement referral when appropriate.
Learn how we approach care: our care philosophy · nonsurgical options · second opinions.
When to seek urgent care
Seek prompt care for a hot, red, swollen joint with fever, inability to bear weight after an injury, sudden severe symptoms, or any symptom that worries you.
Frequently asked questions
What helps joint arthritis day to day?
Low-impact exercise, strengthening, weight management and pacing activities often help. Your clinician may add medication or injections.
How often can I have a joint injection?
It depends on the medication and the joint. Steroid injections are usually limited to a few per year in the same joint.
Do you offer joint replacement?
GSMC does not perform joint replacement. If replacement becomes appropriate, we can discuss referral options.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary.