Family medicine
Arthritis
Joint pain from osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, crystal disease, and infection—different treatments.
What it is
Osteoarthritis is “wear-and-tear” cartilage loss with pain worse after activity. Inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid, psoriatic) causes morning stiffness > 30–60 minutes and swollen joints. Gout deposits uric acid crystals; septic arthritis is a joint infection—emergency. CDC arthritis basics highlight exercise benefits.
Correct classification guides therapy—DMARDs for inflammatory disease, not for simple OA.
Symptoms
- Douleur, raideur matinale
- Gonflement, chaleur (inflammatoire ou septique)
- Crépitements (arthrose)
- Attaques aiguës de goutte (souvent gros orteil)
- Fatigue systémique (arthrite inflammatoire)
Common causes
Âge, traumatisme, surcharge pondérale, sport intense, génétique, infection (chlamydia réactive), psoriasis.
When to see a doctor
Urgence : articulation chaude, douloureuse, avec fièvre—suspecter septic arthritis. Ne pas retarder l’évaluation.
Goutte très douloureuse avec première attaque—traitement médical.
How we can help
Nous différencions les tableaux : examen articulaire, analyses (CRP, acide urique, facteur rhumatoide/anti-CCP si indiqué), imagerie. AINS topiques/oraux, injection IA, physiothérapie pour OA ; DMARDs par rhumatologue pour polyarthrite inflammatoire. Allopurinol/febuxostat pour goutte chronique après crises aiguës traitées.
Related topics
Frequently asked questions
Evidence for glucosamine/chondroitin in knee OA is mixed—if no benefit after a trial, stop spending.
Moderate running is not clearly harmful for everyone with OA—graded loading and strength training often help; individualized advice after exam.
Referral for suspected inflammatory arthritis, unexplained polyarthritis, abnormal antibodies, or difficult-to-treat gout.
Chronic NSAIDs increase GI bleeding, kidney, and cardiovascular risks—use lowest dose for shortest time and consider gastroprotection if high risk.