Medical disclaimer: This page is general health information for education only. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a qualified health professional. It has not been reviewed by a clinician. In an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.
A broad term
Arthritis refers to joint inflammation. It can cause pain, swelling, stiffness and difficulty moving. There are many types, and they do not all have the same cause or treatment. See MedlinePlus on arthritis.
Different conditions, different plans
Osteoarthritis is the most common type. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy joint tissue, as described by MedlinePlus on rheumatoid arthritis. Other conditions can also cause joint symptoms, so an assessment matters.
Describe what has changed
At an appointment, be specific about which joints are affected, when symptoms occur and what has become harder to do. Your clinician may use your history, an examination and tests to work out the cause.
Questions to bring
- Which type of arthritis do you suspect, and why?
- What is the purpose of each recommended test?
- How can we support the activities that matter to me?
- When should the treatment plan be reviewed?
See all condition guides, use our appointment preparation guide, or read how the immune system works.
Sources & further reading
Sources consulted September 20, 2026. This is a drafting date, not a medical review date.