What are the symptoms of joint pains & arthritis?
Joint conditions can affect a single large joint or multiple joints throughout the body.
- Aching, sharp, or throbbing pain in one or both knees while walking or climbing stairs
- Visible joint swelling, puffiness, warmth, or redness around the joint
- Morning stiffness in hands and finger joints lasting longer than 30–60 minutes
- Sudden intense pain, redness, and swelling in the big toe (classic gout attack)
- Grating or cracking sensation (crepitus) on moving the joint
- Difficulty getting up from low seating, cross-legged sitting, or bending knees
- Joint pains following a recent viral fever like dengue or chikungunya
Warning signs: go to hospital at once
These indicate urgent conditions like septic arthritis (infected joint) or acute systemic inflammation.
- Severe joint swelling accompanied by high fever and chills (suspected septic arthritis)
- Inability to bear any weight on the leg due to agonizing joint pain
- Rapidly spreading redness and extreme heat around the joint
- Joint swelling in young adults accompanied by skin rashes, mouth ulcers, or eye redness
Call 108 or go to the nearest emergency department.
The 3 phases of joint pains & arthritis
Active inflammation
Severe swelling, heat, and pain. Prompt anti-inflammatory therapy and rest provide relief.
Etiological workup
Blood tests check uric acid, rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-CCP, ESR, and CRP to find the exact cause.
Joint protection
Weight management, quadriceps strengthening, cartilage support, and disease control.
Which test shows joint pains & arthritis?
Laboratory tests distinguish wear-and-tear osteoarthritis from inflammatory and gout arthritis.
| Test | Best time | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Serum Uric Acid | Same visit | Identifies hyperuricemia and confirms gouty arthritis |
| Inflammatory Markers (ESR & High-Sensitivity CRP) | Same visit | Measures active systemic inflammation in rheumatoid and reactive arthritis |
| Rheumatoid Factor (RF) & Anti-CCP Antibodies | Same day | Confirms or rules out autoimmune rheumatoid arthritis |
| Complete Blood Count & Calcium / Vitamin D | Same visit | Evaluates bone mineralization and rules out infectious causes |
How is joint pains & arthritis treated?
Treatment combines pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory therapies, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) where indicated, uric acid-lowering medicines for gout, and physiotherapy counseling.
At Nareddy Care
- Clinical joint and musculoskeletal examination by Professor of Medicine Dr. Vishnu
- Same-visit laboratory testing for uric acid, CRP, ESR, and autoimmune markers
- Evidence-based medication avoiding long-term unmonitored painkiller abuse
- Personalized knee exercise, joint-protection, and weight optimization counseling
- Specialized care for older adults with severe knee osteoarthritis and mobility limits
Do at home
- Apply ice packs during acute swollen flares, and warm compresses for chronic morning stiffness
- Perform gentle, low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, and stationary cycling
- Drink adequate water to promote uric acid excretion if suffering from gout
- Wear supportive, well-cushioned footwear and avoid walking barefoot on hard floors
Avoid
- Popping over-the-counter painkillers (NSAIDs) repeatedly — this causes severe stomach ulcers and kidney damage
- Sitting cross-legged or squatting if experiencing advanced knee osteoarthritis
- Eating high-purine foods (red meat, organ meats, shellfish, beer) during gout flare-ups
- Stopping prescribed rheumatoid or gout medications abruptly once the pain subsides
How to prevent joint pains & arthritis
Maintaining a healthy body weight reduces knee joint stress by four times your body weight with every step. Staying active, drinking adequate water, and eating a balanced diet prevent joint degeneration.
Questions people ask
Why shouldn't I take painkillers every day for joint pain?
Daily over-the-counter pain pills (like diclofenac, aceclofenac, or ibuprofen) cause severe stomach ulcers, high blood pressure, and irreversible kidney damage. Dr. Vishnu prescribes safer, targeted therapies and exercises.
What is gout, and how is it treated?
Gout is a type of arthritis caused by excess uric acid forming sharp crystals in joints, often starting in the big toe. Treatment involves acute anti-inflammatory relief followed by long-term uric acid-lowering medicines.
How do I know if my joint pain is rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis typically affects small joints in both hands symmetrically, causes stiffness lasting over an hour in the morning, and shows elevated ESR, CRP, and positive RF/Anti-CCP blood tests.
Are blood tests for joint pains done in your clinic?
Yes. Our on-site lab tests serum uric acid, ESR, CRP, rheumatoid markers, and calcium with rapid same-day reporting.
Adults seeDr. Vishnu Anjan NareddyMD (General Medicine)Children seeDr. Bramhini NareddyMD (Paediatrics)