Disorders of Joints
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Joint disorders affect normal movement and cause pain, stiffness, or inflammation. Common disorders include arthritis (inflammation of joints), osteoarthritis (degeneration of cartilage), rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune joint disease), gout (uric acid crystal deposition), sprain (ligament injury), and dislocation (displacement of bones at a joint).
DISORDERS
OF JOINTS
ARTHRITIS
General term for inflammation of joints.
Common in middle and older age but may occur at any age.
- Rheumatoid
arthritis (RA)
- An
autoimmune polyarthritis often affecting small joints (hands, feet).
- Characterised
by inflammation of the synovial membrane, pain, stiffness, progressive
joint deformity, and systemic symptoms (e.g., fever).
- Management
commonly includes anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying agents and
physiotherapy.
- Osteoarthritis
(OA)
- Degenerative
“wear-and-tear” disease of articular cartilage.
- Cartilage
thins, bone surfaces may rub together causing pain, stiffness and reduced
movement.
- Conservative
management: physiotherapy, weight reduction, analgesics; severe cases may
require joint replacement.
GOUT
- Caused by
deposition of uric acid (sodium urate) crystals in joints and soft
tissues.
- Presents
as acute painful inflammatory attacks (commonly first metatarsophalangeal
joint, ankle, knee).
- Related
to high uric acid—due to overproduction or reduced excretion. Long-term
management aims to lower uric acid levels.
DISLOCATIONS
- Occur
when joint surfaces are completely displaced, often tearing the joint
capsule and ligaments.
- Common
sites: shoulder, hip (posterior most common), elbow.
- Require
prompt reduction (medical) and rehabilitation.
KNEE SPECIFIC DISORDERS
- Slipped
(torn) meniscus:
Injury or detachment of semilunar cartilage causing pain, locking or
restricted movement.
- Acute
synovitis:
Inflammation of synovial membrane after trauma, causing swelling (notably
around the knee).
- Bursitis: Inflammation of bursae (fluid-filled
sacs), commonly prepatellar bursitis (in front of the kneecap) causing
swelling and pain.
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF JOINT CARE AND
MANAGEMENT (GENERAL GUIDANCE)
- Maintain healthy
body weight to reduce joint load.
- Regular exercise
(strengthening, flexibility) to maintain joint function.
- Early medical
evaluation for persistent joint pain, swelling, or deformity.
- Use of supportive
aids (splints, braces) and physiotherapy for rehabilitation.
- Referral
to specialists (orthopaedics, rheumatology) when needed.
