Have you noticed a sore knee when climbing the stairs? A stiff hip when you get out of bed? Or aching hands after a day in the garden?
Joint pain is incredibly common, but one of the biggest questions we hear is:
“Is it arthritis… or have I just injured myself?”
The good news is that not every sore joint is arthritis, and even if it is, there are effective ways to manage it.
Could it be arthritis?
While only a thorough assessment can provide an answer, some common signs of osteoarthritis include:
- Stiffness when you first get up in the morning that eases within 30 minutes.
- Pain after sitting or resting for a while.
- Gradually increasing symptoms over months or years.
- Difficulty with everyday activities like walking, stairs or getting out of a chair.
An injury, on the other hand, is more likely to come on after a specific incident or change in activity and often improves as the tissues heal.
Not all arthritis is the same
When most people think of arthritis, they’re thinking of osteoarthritis. It was traditionally called “wear and tear” arthritis because we believed joints simply wore out over time. We now know joints are living tissues that are continually repairing and remodelling themselves. Osteoarthritis occurs when the repair process can’t keep pace with the stresses placed on the joint, so it’s more accurately described as a “wear and repair” condition.
However, there are also inflammatory forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), psoriatic arthritis and gout. These conditions occur when the immune system or inflammation affects the joints and require different medical management.
If you’re experiencing persistent joint pain, swelling, prolonged morning stiffness (lasting more than an hour), or pain affecting multiple joints, it’s important to seek assessment early. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference.
The biggest myth about arthritis
Many people think they should avoid movement to protect their joints.
In reality, the opposite is usually true.
Regular, targeted exercise is one of the most effective treatments for osteoarthritis. It helps to:
- Reduce pain.
- Improve joint movement.
- Build strength around the joint.
- Keep you active and independent.
How physiotherapy can help
At Physio One, our physiotherapists can:
- Assess whether your symptoms are likely to be arthritis or another condition.
- Explain what’s causing your pain.
- Develop a personalised treatment and exercise plan.
- Help you stay active with confidence.
For people with knee or hip osteoarthritis, we also offer the internationally recognised GLA:D® Australia program. This evidence-based education and exercise program has helped thousands of Australians reduce pain, improve function and get back to doing the things they enjoy.
Don’t put up with joint pain
Whether your symptoms started last week or have been bothering you for years, the earlier you understand what’s causing them, the sooner you can take the right steps towards feeling better.
If you’re wondering whether your joint pain could be arthritis, we’d be happy to help.
