Inflammatory Arthritis
Inflammatory arthritis
Inflammatory arthritis is a group of conditions in which inflammation within the joints can cause pain, swelling and stiffness. Early assessment is important because persistent inflammation can affect joint function and, in some conditions, lead to permanent joint damage.
Dr Richard Campbell assesses and treats patients with established inflammatory arthritis as well as those with symptoms where inflammatory arthritis is suspected but a diagnosis has not yet been made.
Types of inflammatory arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory condition that commonly causes pain, swelling and prolonged morning stiffness in several joints, particularly the hands and feet.
Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis can affect people with psoriasis and may cause inflammation of the joints, tendons, fingers, toes or spine. Joint symptoms can sometimes occur before psoriasis is recognised.
Axial spondyloarthritis & ankylosing spondylitis
These conditions predominantly affect the spine and sacroiliac joints and can cause persistent back pain and stiffness, particularly in younger adults. Other joints, tendons and the eyes may also be affected.
Reactive arthritis
Reactive arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis that can develop following certain infections. It often affects the lower-limb joints but can cause a range of other symptoms.
Could your symptoms be due to inflammatory arthritis?
Joint pain is common and does not necessarily mean that inflammation is present. However, certain symptoms can make inflammatory arthritis more likely and may warrant specialist assessment.
- Persistent joint swelling
- Prolonged early morning stiffness
- Pain and stiffness that improve with movement
- Several painful or swollen joints
- Recurrent episodes of joint inflammation
- Swelling of an entire finger or toe
- Persistent back pain and stiffness with inflammatory features
- Joint symptoms associated with psoriasis
- Raised inflammatory markers or abnormal rheumatology blood tests
How inflammatory arthritis is assessed
Diagnosis is based on the overall clinical picture rather than any single blood test or scan. A rheumatology assessment includes a detailed history and examination of the joints and other relevant symptoms.
Previous blood tests and imaging can be reviewed, and further investigations arranged where appropriate. These may include inflammatory markers, autoimmune blood tests, X-rays, ultrasound or other imaging depending on the clinical circumstances.
A normal blood test does not necessarily exclude inflammatory arthritis, and an abnormal test does not by itself establish a diagnosis.
Treatment of inflammatory arthritis
Treatment depends on the specific diagnosis, severity of inflammation and individual circumstances. The aim is to control inflammation, relieve symptoms, maintain function and reduce the risk of long-term joint damage.
Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medication, corticosteroid treatment or joint injections where appropriate. For established inflammatory arthritis, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and, where indicated, biologic or targeted treatments may be considered.
Treatment options, expected benefits and potential risks are discussed so that an individual management plan can be agreed.
Specialist rheumatology care
Dr Campbell has extensive experience in the diagnosis and management of inflammatory arthritis in both NHS and private practice. He is an NHS Consultant Rheumatologist at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and manages both established rheumatological disease and complex diagnostic presentations.
Private consultations are available for patients with a known diagnosis, newly developing symptoms, or those seeking a further specialist opinion.
Arrange a consultation
If you are experiencing persistent joint pain, swelling or stiffness, or have been advised to seek a rheumatology opinion, a specialist assessment can help determine the cause and appropriate next steps.
Appointments are available at Sloane Hospital, Beckenham and Chelsfield Park Hospital, Orpington. Self-pay and insured patients are welcome.