What "arthritis" actually means
Arthritis is an umbrella word for joint pain, stiffness and sometimes swelling — but it isn't a single condition. The two broad groups behave quite differently, and telling them apart early shapes what happens next.
Osteoarthritis is the common "wear-and-tear" type. It usually comes on gradually over months or years, tends to affect knees, hips, hands or the base of the thumb, and feels worse after using a joint or towards the end of the day. Inflammatory arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis) is different: here the immune system drives inflammation in the joint lining, which is why swelling and prolonged morning stiffness are common.
You don't need to work out which one you have — that's exactly what an assessment is for. But noticing the pattern of your symptoms gives a useful head start.
Early signs worth noticing
Most joint twinges settle on their own, so there's no need to over-read every ache. The signs below are simply worth keeping an eye on — especially if they persist for more than a few weeks or keep coming back.
A few patterns point more towards an inflammatory cause, where an earlier review is particularly helpful.
Why early assessment matters for inflammatory types
With osteoarthritis, there's usually no rush — symptoms tend to develop slowly and there's plenty that helps along the way. Inflammatory arthritis is where timing makes a real difference. Because ongoing inflammation can affect a joint over time, getting it assessed and managed early tends to lead to better, more comfortable outcomes.
That doesn't mean panicking at the first stiff knuckle. It means that if you have persistent swelling and long-lasting morning stiffness, it's sensible to have it looked at rather than waiting to see how it goes. A rheumatology assessment can include an examination, blood tests and, where appropriate, imaging to build a clear picture.
Reassuringly, many people who come in worried about arthritis turn out to have something straightforward — and even when it is inflammatory, modern care is very effective at keeping symptoms under control.
When to seek advice — and when sooner
As a general guide, it's worth arranging a check if joint pain, swelling or stiffness has lasted more than a few weeks, is affecting your daily activities, or keeps returning. There's no harm in having mild, settling symptoms reviewed too if they're on your mind.
Some symptoms deserve more urgent attention. A single joint that becomes hot, very swollen, intensely painful and difficult to move — especially with a fever or feeling unwell — should be assessed urgently; contact your GP, call NHS 111, or go to A&E if it comes on quickly. These situations are uncommon, but it's better to be checked than to wait.
For everything else, an unhurried consultation is the right setting to get answers, understand your options and plan next steps without pressure.
How a consultation at Bridge House works
Your appointment is with a Consultant Rheumatologist who will listen to your history, examine the affected joints and arrange any tests needed to reach a clear diagnosis. The aim is a plain-English explanation of what's going on and a practical plan — not jargon.
If a joint injection would help, that can be discussed as part of your management, and our pricing is shared upfront so there are no surprises. We offer same or next week appointments for many specialties, so you're not left waiting with questions on your mind.
This article is general information and isn't a substitute for a personal assessment. If your symptoms are bothering you, a consultation is the best way to get advice tailored to you.
Common questions
How long should joint stiffness last before I get it checked? +
Brief stiffness that eases within a few minutes is usually nothing to worry about. The pattern to note is morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, or pain and swelling that persist for more than a few weeks or keep returning — that's a sensible point to arrange a rheumatology assessment rather than wait.
How can I tell osteoarthritis from inflammatory arthritis? +
As a rough guide, osteoarthritis tends to build gradually and feel worse with use, while inflammatory arthritis more often brings joint swelling and long-lasting morning stiffness, sometimes affecting both sides of the body. You don't need to work this out yourself — a consultant examination and tests will clarify it, which is why an early check is worthwhile.
What happens at a rheumatology appointment, and what does it cost? +
A Consultant Rheumatologist takes your history, examines your joints and arranges blood tests or imaging where needed, then explains the diagnosis and a clear plan. A rheumatology consultation at Bridge House is £220, with transparent pricing for any treatment such as a joint injection (£350 for a small area, from £450 for a larger one) discussed upfront before anything goes ahead.
