Arthritis means inflammation of a joint, and there are many types, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Joint pain can also come from injury, overuse or other illnesses, so it helps to know which kind you have.
Common Signs
- Pain in one or more joints, often worse after rest or activity.
- Stiffness, especially in the morning.
- Swelling, warmth or redness around a joint.
- Reduced movement or a grinding feeling.
- Tiredness with joint pain.
When to See a Doctor Promptly
- A suddenly hot, red, swollen joint.
- Fever together with joint pain.
- A joint that looks deformed or cannot bear weight.
- Stiffness and swelling in several joints that keeps returning.
In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital.
What Dr. Arpana Highlights
In her video on rheumatoid arthritis, Dr. Arpana explains that it is a long-term inflammatory, autoimmune condition that usually affects several joints on both sides of the body. The usual signs are stiffness on waking, pain, swelling and tenderness, often in the finger joints, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles and toes. Because inflammation is at its root, her supportive care focuses on lowering it through everyday habits:
- Food: a varied diet with commonly suggested anti-inflammatory foods such as ginger, turmeric, green tea, bell peppers, beetroot, broccoli, spinach, garlic, apples, pineapple, yogurt, almonds and walnuts.
- Rest and sleep: about eight hours of sleep so the body can recover.
- Movement: gentle walking, stretching or swimming, starting light and building up slowly to ease stiffness and keep joints moving.
- Heat and cold: warm baths and cold packs can ease soreness and swelling.
- Support: canes, braces or splints can take weight off a painful joint.
- Mind: keep busy with hobbies you enjoy, such as gardening, painting, music or writing, and keep a positive outlook.
She also mentions supplements such as fish oil. Ask your doctor before starting any supplement. Homeopathy is used alongside your treatment, no outcome is promised, and prescribed arthritis medicines must not be stopped without your doctor's advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need tests?
Doctors often use blood tests and X-rays to tell the types of arthritis apart. Bring your recent reports to the consultation.
Can I stop my painkillers?
Do not stop or change prescribed medicines without talking to your doctor.
Does diet matter?
In some cases dietary adjustments are recommended to support treatment, and Dr. Arpana gives guidance based on your case.
You can book a consultation or read the frequently asked questions. This page is for general education and is not a substitute for personal medical advice.