World Arthritis Day 2026 - Arthritis Symptoms Treatment and When to See a Doctor

Do your knees feel stiff in the morning, or do your fingers hurt when opening a jar? Joint pain, swelling or stiffness that keeps returning deserves attention. Arthritis is a group of joint conditions, not simply a normal part of ageing.

World Arthritis Day is observed on 12 October. 

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is a general term for conditions that cause joint pain, stiffness, swelling or difficulty moving. Two common forms are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis; gout and psoriatic arthritis can also affect joints.

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: what is the difference?

Osteoarthritis affects joint tissues and often involves the knees, hips and hands. Pain may occur during activity, with stiffness after resting. Age, previous joint injury, family history and excess body weight can contribute to risk, but osteoarthritis is not inevitable with ageing.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation. It often affects the hands, wrists and feet, sometimes on both sides of the body. Swelling, tenderness, prolonged morning stiffness and fatigue may occur. Early assessment and treatment can help control the disease and reduce the risk of joint damage.

These conditions need different approaches to care. Symptoms alone cannot confirm the diagnosis.

What are the common symptoms of arthritis?

Arthritis symptoms vary, but common signs include:

• Joint pain that persists or keeps returning.
• Stiffness after waking up or sitting still for a long time.
• Swelling, tenderness, warmth or redness around a joint.
• Difficulty bending the knee, gripping objects, climbing stairs or walking.
• Reduced movement or a grinding feeling in an affected joint.
• Unusual tiredness, particularly with some inflammatory conditions.

Prolonged morning stiffness, especially with several swollen joints, should be assessed. Symptoms alone cannot confirm arthritis because other conditions can look similar.

How is arthritis diagnosed?

A clinician will ask when symptoms began, which joints are affected and how stiffness changes during the day. An examination may check swelling, tenderness and movement. Depending on the suspected condition, tests can include blood tests or imaging such as X-rays. No single test confirms every type of arthritis; results are considered alongside symptoms and examination.

Before an appointment, note when pain occurs, what changes it, and which medicines or supplements you take. Share relevant medical and family history.

What are the treatment options for arthritis?

Treatment depends on the diagnosis, symptoms, affected joints and overall health. Options may include:

• Movement and physiotherapy. Suitable strengthening, flexibility and low-impact exercise can support function. Adapt activity to your ability and ask for guidance if pain is significant.
• Weight management, when appropriate. It may reduce strain on weight-bearing joints, particularly the knees and hips.
• Prescribed medicines. These may reduce pain and inflammation or control the disease. Rheumatoid arthritis may require disease-modifying medicines with clinical monitoring.
• Practical support. A therapist may suggest joint-protection techniques, pacing or suitable aids.
• Joint replacement for selected cases. Knee or hip replacement may be considered when severe damage causes substantial pain or limits daily activities despite other suitable treatment. It is not needed by everyone.

Do not start, stop or regularly use pain medicines, steroids or supplements without medical advice. Risks depend on your health and other medicines.

WHEN IS JOINT PAIN URGENT?

Seek urgent medical attention if one joint suddenly becomes severely painful, hot or swollen, especially if you have fever or chills, feel very unwell, cannot move the joint or cannot put weight on it. A serious joint infection is one possible cause. Do not wait for a routine appointment.

When should you see a doctor for joint pain?

Arrange an assessment if joint pain or stiffness persists, keeps returning, worsens, disrupts daily life or comes with continuing swelling. Seek earlier advice if several joints are affected or morning stiffness is prolonged. Do not self-diagnose from symptoms alone.

Arthritis care at Fortis Hospital Manesar, Gurugram

For people in Manesar and Gurugram with ongoing joint pain or reduced mobility, the official Fortis website provides information about Orthopaedics and Joint Replacement at Fortis Hospital Manesar. People considering joint replacement in Manesar should discuss suitability, alternatives and recovery expectations with a qualified orthopaedic clinician. Readers can also review the listing of orthopaedic doctors at Fortis Manesar. Confirm the appropriate department and appointment availability with the hospital. Inflammatory arthritis may need rheumatology assessment, so verify service availability before visiting.