Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Arthritis?
A primary care doctor often checks joint pain first. Many patients are then referred to a rheumatologist. That is a doctor who specializes in arthritis care. Some severe joint damage is treated by an orthopedic surgeon. That is a doctor who operates on bones and joints. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is joint swelling or wearing out in one or more joints. A joint is the place where two bones meet, like the elbow or knee. There are more than 100 types. Cartilage is the smooth cushion in a joint. It can wear down. Or the joint lining can get inflamed. Over time, a swollen joint can become badly damaged.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, often worse in the morning.
- Redness and warmth of the skin around a joint.
- Reduced ability to move the joint.
- Joint deformity in some severe cases.
Some types of arthritis can also affect other organs, such as the eyes, heart, or skin.
Causes and who gets it
The cause depends on the type of arthritis. Common types include:
- Osteoarthritis is the most common type. It is often tied to aging or injury.
- Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune form. The immune system attacks healthy joint tissue by mistake.
- Gout happens when too much uric acid builds up in the body. It often starts in the big toe.
- Psoriatic arthritis affects some people who have psoriasis, a skin disease with scaly red and white patches.
- An infection can also spread to a joint and cause arthritis.
The chance of getting many types of arthritis increases with age. A family history, a previous joint injury, and obesity can also raise the risk.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor asks about your medical history and examines the joints. The exam looks for fluid, warmth, redness, or trouble moving. Blood tests and joint X-rays are often done to check for infection and other causes. A doctor may also take a sample of joint fluid with a needle. The lab checks it for inflammation, crystals, or infection.
Treatment
The goal is to reduce pain and inflammation, improve function, and prevent further joint damage. For osteoarthritis, lifestyle changes are the preferred treatment. Exercise can relieve stiffness and make muscles and bones stronger. Losing weight can greatly improve joint pain in the legs and feet. Physical therapy may include heat or ice, splints, water therapy, or massage.
Medicines include acetaminophen for pain and NSAIDs, drugs that lower inflammation, such as ibuprofen. NSAIDs can carry risks when used for a long time. Corticosteroids may be injected into painful joints. DMARDs, biologics, and kinase inhibitors treat autoimmune forms like rheumatoid arthritis. For gout, certain medicines to lower uric acid levels may be used. If treatments fail and a joint is badly damaged, joint replacement surgery is an option.
When to see a doctor
Contact a doctor if joint pain lasts more than 3 days. Also contact a doctor if the pain is severe and unexplained, if the joint is badly swollen or hard to move, or if the skin around it is red or hot. A fever with joint pain, or weight loss you cannot explain, also needs a doctor visit right away. These can be signs of an infection in the joint.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can start the evaluation and order X-rays and blood tests. They can refer you to a rheumatologist or orthopedic surgeon. They can also help manage your arthritis over the long term.
Common questions
What is the most common type of arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is the most common type. It is often related to aging, injury, or wear and tear, and it becomes more common as people get older.
How is rheumatoid arthritis different from osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis comes from wear and tear on the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy joint tissue. Rheumatoid arthritis is treated with medicines such as DMARDs and biologics.
Can exercise help arthritis?
Yes. Exercise can relieve stiffness, reduce pain and fatigue, and improve muscle and bone strength. Common choices are easy activities like walking, stretching, and strength training.
Is there a cure for arthritis?
The underlying cause often cannot be cured, but treatment can reduce pain, improve function, and prevent more joint damage. Many forms can be well controlled. A few arthritis-related disorders can be cured with proper treatment.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Arthritis
- NIAMS - Arthritis Overview and Types
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia - Arthritis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
