What it is
Symptoms often come and go in flare-ups. Without treatment, it can damage joints over time.
Treatment includes anti-inflammatory medicines, steroid injections, and medicines that calm the immune system, such as methotrexate or biological treatments.
Common signs
- Painful, swollen joints
- Stiffness, especially in the morning
- A whole finger or toe swelling up
- Pain in the heel or sole
- Changes to the nails
- Tiredness
How it is usually diagnosed
- Examination by a rheumatologist
- Blood tests to rule out other types of arthritis
- X-rays, ultrasound or MRI
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Rheumatology letters
- Blood test results, including monitoring for medicines
- X-ray and scan reports
- Medicine lists
Questions to ask your doctor
- Which treatment is best for my skin and joints together?
- How often will I need blood tests?
- What should I do during a flare-up?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- A single hot, red, swollen joint with a fever, or signs of infection while on immune-suppressing medicine: get urgent help the same day
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.