Inflammatory arthritis is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joints, causing swelling, stiffness and pain. Unlike osteoarthritis (wear and tear arthritis), inflammatory arthritis can cause permanent joint damage if not recognised and treated early.

Modern treatment has significantly improved outcomes — especially when started promptly.

What Is Inflammatory Arthritis?

Inflammatory arthritis includes:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis
• Axial spondyloarthritis
• Other autoimmune joint diseases

These conditions cause inflammation inside the joint lining. If untreated, this inflammation can damage cartilage and bone.

Early Signs of Inflammatory Arthritis

Recognising early symptoms is crucial. The pattern and duration of symptoms are often more important than pain severity.

Prolonged Morning Stiffness

Morning stiffness lasting longer than 30–60 minutes is a key warning sign. People may struggle with making a fist, gripping objects, opening jars, and getting moving in the morning. Short-lived stiffness (a few minutes) is more typical of osteoarthritis.

Swollen or Warm Joints

Inflamed joints may appear swollen or puffy, feel warm to touch, and be tender when pressed. Commonly affected joints include fingers, wrists, toes, ankles and knees. Persistent joint swelling should always be assessed.

Symmetrical Joint Involvement

Inflammatory arthritis often affects joints on both sides of the body — for example, both hands or both feet — but sometimes symptoms can start in an asymmetric fashion.

Fatigue and Systemic Symptoms

Ongoing inflammation can cause persistent tiredness, poor sleep, reduced concentration, and a general feeling of unwellness. These symptoms are common in autoimmune arthritis.

Inflammatory Back Pain

In younger adults (typically under 45), inflammatory back pain may improve with movement, worsen with rest, cause prolonged morning stiffness, and wake the person during the second half of the night.

Why Early Diagnosis Is Critical

Evidence shows joint damage may begin within months of symptom onset. There is a recognised “window of opportunity” in early disease where treatment significantly improves long-term outcomes. If untreated, inflammatory arthritis may lead to permanent joint damage, visible deformities, reduced grip strength, walking difficulties, loss of independence, and increased cardiovascular risk.

DMARD Treatment: Why Controlling Inflammation Matters

The cornerstone of treatment is Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs). Unlike simple pain relief medications, DMARDs target the underlying immune inflammation, slow or prevent joint damage, reduce deformity risk, and preserve long-term function. Pain control alone is not enough — suppressing inflammation is essential.

Risk Factors: Family History and Smoking

Having a close relative with rheumatoid arthritis increases individual risk. Smoking is strongly associated with increased risk, more severe disease, reduced response to certain treatments, and higher cardiovascular risk. Stopping smoking improves overall prognosis.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Medical review is advisable if you experience joint swelling lasting more than a few weeks, morning stiffness over 30–60 minutes, symptoms persisting beyond 4–6 weeks, unexplained fatigue with joint pain, or a strong family history of inflammatory arthritis. Early specialist assessment improves outcomes.