Arthritis describes a broad group of medical conditions in which the body’s joints become inflamed and structurally compromised. This inflammation can lead to discomfort, stiffness, and pain that ranges from mild to severely limiting. Although arthritis is commonly associated with ageing, it can affect individuals across the lifespan, and while the underlying causes cannot be cured, symptoms can be effectively managed with appropriate care. Joint inflammation is one of the most common pathways through which mobility becomes restricted in adulthood, and this makes arthritis a condition worth understanding clearly.
The term arthritis encompasses more than 100 distinct disorders that affect the joints, where two bones articulate to enable movement. These articulations rely on cartilage, synovial fluid, and coordinated muscle action to function smoothly. When inflammation develops (literally arthron (joint) and itis (inflammation)) the joint’s normal mechanics are disrupted.
One of the most common forms is Osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative joint disease affecting both large and small joints, including the hands, hips, spine, and knees. OA is primarily driven by cumulative wear‑and‑tear and previous injury. Globally, osteoarthritis affects an estimated 528 million people, with prevalence increasing by 113% between 1990 and 2019 (Safiri et al., 2020). In OA, cartilage gradually deteriorates, exposing underlying bone and increasing friction during movement. This can cause pain during weight‑bearing, activity, and even rest. Cartilage loss is the defining feature of osteoarthritis progression, and this structural decline explains why symptoms often worsen over time.
OA severity is influenced by occupational and lifestyle factors. Repetitive kneeling, squatting, and heavy lifting increase mechanical stress on joints, and genetic predisposition also plays a role. Studies show that having a first‑degree relative with OA increases personal risk by 40–60% (Zengini et al., 2018). Typical symptoms include pain, swelling, and inflammation of surrounding tissues. OA most commonly affects weight‑bearing joints such as the hips, knees, and lumbar spine, though any joint can be involved. Joint load is one of the strongest predictors of osteoarthritis symptoms, making activity modification a key part of management.
Another major form is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks joint tissues and, in some cases, other organs. RA affects approximately 18 million people worldwide, with women affected two to three times more often than men (Almutairi et al., 2021). Unlike OA, RA involves systemic inflammation, bone erosion, and progressive joint deformity. Bone remodeling becomes dysregulated, leading to swelling, stiffness, and restricted movement. Although the precise cause remains unknown, regular exercise and healthy lifestyle habits can reduce symptom severity.
RA often begins in the small joints of the hands and feet but can involve larger joints as the disease progresses. Symptoms typically develop gradually and may include muscle stiffness, pain, warmth, redness, fatigue, fever, and unintentional weight loss. Flares—periods of heightened disease activity—are common. Global burden studies show that RA accounts for 3.5 million disability‑adjusted life years (DALYs) annually (Safiri et al., 2019). Autoimmune activity is the engine that drives rheumatoid arthritis, and this systemic nature explains why symptoms extend beyond the joints.
Managing arthritis effectively requires a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach. Treatment often involves a general practitioner, physiotherapist, specialist care when needed, and support from family or carers. Arthritis can influence mobility, independence, work capacity, and community participation. Arthritis is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, and this reality highlights the importance of early intervention and comprehensive care planning. Discussing how arthritis affects daily life allows the clinical team to tailor strategies that support long‑term wellbeing.
Management and assessment of Arthritic Pain depends on the cause of the pain, how it feels and changes over the day, what makes it better or worse, and the length of time the pain has persisted. Simple strategies include gentle stretching of sore joints with a view to relieving the pain, as well as using hot or cold packs for a little temporary relief. Effective pain medication includes anti-inflammatory medication if appropriate, or prescription medication if recommended by a physician.
A physiotherapist can assess the nature of a person's Arthritic pain, determine the most likely factors leading to and aggravating that pain, as well as minimise that pain and promote a healthy recovery. These details are carefully explored during your first assessment, which sets the foundation for reducing pain and improving comfort. Your treatment plan will be personalised to target the underlying cause, with a focus on easing discomfort, restoring pain-free movement, and building strategies to lower the chance of future flare-ups.
At Atlas Physio, we support you with clear guidance, structured care, and ongoing monitoring both in the clinic and at home. We make access simple by being open seven days a week, offering evening appointments, providing bulk billing for eligible clients, and ensuring no gap fees for WorkCover or TAC clients. Get in touch today to take the first step toward moving with ease and confidence, supported by care that is practical, dependable, and designed to deliver lasting results.
REFERENCES
Almutairi, K. B., Nossent, J. C., Preen, D. B., Keen, H. I., & Inderjeeth, C. A. (2021). The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review of population-based studies. The Journal of Rheumatology, 48(5), 669–676.
Safiri, S., Kolahi, A.‑A., Smith, E., Hill, C., Bettampadi, D., Mansournia, M. A., Hoy, D., Ashrafi‑Asgarabad, A., Sepidarkish, M., Almasi‑Hashiani, A., Collins, G., & Cross, M. (2020). Global, regional and national burden of osteoarthritis 1990–2017: A systematic analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 79(6), 819–828.
Zengini, E., Hatzikotoulas, K., Tachmazidou, I., Steinberg, J., Hartwig, F. P., Southam, L., Hackinger, S., Boer, C. G., Styrkarsdottir, U., Gilly, A.. (2018). Genome-wide analyses using UK Biobank data provide insights into the genetic architecture of osteoarthritis. Nature Genetics, 50, 549–558.