Degenerative and rheumatoid arthritis (including joint replacement)

Arthritis is very common, and usually presents with pain, loss of function (stiffness) and deformity. There are several types of arthritis and each has particular features. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are the commonest; they are usually progressive and result in significant disability and pain if untreated. Medical management is usually the first line of action. Weight reduction and physiotherapy (if needed) can help control pain and increase mobility and, in rheumatoid arthritis, can modify the disease course. Surgery to replace arthritic joints usually leads to satisfactory relief of pain, but should be carefully considered and applied because it can lead to devastating complications. Joint replacement can be total or partial.