How does osteoarthritis usually present?
Pain typically appears or worsens with activity: walking, climbing stairs, using the hands or standing up. It may cause brief stiffness, crepitus and reduced mobility.
Which symptoms suggest inflammatory arthritis?
Joint swelling, prolonged morning stiffness and pain at rest. Physical examination is essential to establish whether true joint inflammation is present.
How are they told apart?
Pain distribution, its relationship with movement, duration of stiffness and swelling all provide key information. No single blood test distinguishes every form.
Are they treated the same way?
No. Osteoarthritis is treated with exercise, education and symptomatic care; inflammatory arthritis may require disease-modifying drugs.
When to seek advice
When pain persists, swelling appears or stiffness limits daily life. A hot, swollen joint with fever needs urgent assessment.
Related content
A hot, very painful and swollen joint, especially with fever, requires urgent medical attention.