Inflammatory Arthritis
Joint pain, swelling and morning stiffness that won't settle — what inflammatory arthritis is, why it happens, and how we can help.
Inflammatory arthritis is when your immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of your joints, causing pain, swelling and stiffness.
It covers conditions such as rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis. Unlike ordinary wear-and-tear, it's driven by inflammation — which means starting treatment early can make a real difference to how your joints do over time.
Symptoms of inflammatory arthritis.
They often build up over weeks and tend to be at their worst first thing in the morning.
Why it happens.
The exact trigger isn't always clear, but it's an autoimmune process — your immune system turns on your own joints. Some things make it more likely.
Don't wait for it to settle.
Early assessment helps you get the right treatment sooner. See a specialist if:
Confirmed with examination and blood tests.
Diagnosis starts with a careful clinical assessment by Dr Subhra Raghuvanshi, Consultant Rheumatologist, alongside blood tests to look for markers of inflammation and autoimmune activity. Starting treatment early matters, so we aim to reach a clear picture quickly.
How inflammatory arthritis is treated.
We start with the least invasive option that's right for you, and build a plan around your symptoms.
A thorough review with a consultant rheumatologist, with blood tests to confirm what's going on and guide your plan.
Medication to calm the inflammation and protect your joints, reviewed and adjusted by your consultant over time.
A targeted steroid injection to settle a flaring joint when it's needed — a quick, non-surgical step.
Seen in days — not months on a list.
A named specialist, not a junior — all the way through.
Every price published and confirmed in writing.
Seen privately, without the wait.
We bill major UK insurers directly.
What's the difference between inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis? +
Osteoarthritis is wear-and-tear of a joint over time. Inflammatory arthritis is driven by the immune system attacking the joint lining — it tends to cause swelling and prolonged morning stiffness, and often affects several joints at once.
Why does early treatment matter so much? +
Inflammatory arthritis can damage joints if the inflammation isn't brought under control. Getting a diagnosis and starting management early gives your joints the best chance — which is why we don't recommend waiting to be seen.
Will I need to be on medication long-term? +
Many people with inflammatory arthritis benefit from ongoing medication to keep the inflammation settled. Your consultant will explain the options, review how you're doing, and adjust the plan as needed.
How much does it cost to be seen? +
A rheumatology consultation is £220 and a joint injection is £350 (larger joints from £450). Any further fees are confirmed with you individually before anything goes ahead, so there are no surprises.
Don't put up with it.
Book an assessment with a consultant and get a clear picture — and a plan.