Understanding It
What Arthritis Is
Osteoarthritis is by far the most common form. It involves changes to the cartilage, bone and surrounding tissues of a joint, most often the knees, hips, hands and spine. It was once described as simple wear and tear; that description is now considered inaccurate, as the joint is an active tissue that responds to load rather than simply wearing out.
Inflammatory arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, is different. It is driven by the immune system attacking the joint lining, usually affects several joints symmetrically, and requires medical management with a GP and often a rheumatologist. Allied health supports that medical care rather than replacing it.
This page focuses mainly on osteoarthritis, but the support we provide applies to both.
How does it usually present?
- Joint pain that worsens with activity and eases with rest, in osteoarthritis
- Stiffness first thing in the morning, usually easing within 30 minutes in osteoarthritis
- Prolonged morning stiffness lasting over an hour, more typical of inflammatory arthritis
- Reduced range of movement and difficulty with stairs, gripping, or getting out of a chair
- Swelling, warmth or a grating sensation in the joint
- Symptoms that fluctuate, good weeks and bad weeks are normal
- Gradual reduction in activity, often without the person noticing
When to Act
When to Seek Help
See your GP for diagnosis if you have persistent joint pain and stiffness, particularly if several joints are involved.See your GP promptly if you have morning stiffness lasting more than an hour, several joints affected symmetrically, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue alongside joint symptoms, these can suggest inflammatory arthritis, which benefits from early medical treatment.
Seek urgent medical care if you have:
- A single joint that becomes red, hot and markedly swollen, with fever or feeling unwell — this may indicate joint infection and needs same-day assessment
- Sudden severe joint pain with fever
Causes & Risk
What Causes It and Who Is at Risk
For osteoarthritis, risk increases with age, previous joint injury or surgery, occupations involving heavy or repetitive joint loading, family history, reduced muscle strength around the joint, and carrying additional weight.
Inflammatory arthritis has different risk factors, including genetics, smoking and being female, and can begin at any age.
How We Help
How Our Team Can Help
Arthritis management is largely about maintaining function and managing symptoms over the long term, and allied health has a substantial role.
Physiotherapy
Progressive strengthening and activity programs. Exercise is recommended as first-line management for osteoarthritis and can help reduce pain and improve function. Programs are pitched to your current capacity and progressed gradually.
Occupational Therapy
Practical strategies for daily tasks, joint protection techniques, equipment and aids for gripping, dressing, kitchen work and bathing, and home modifications where access is becoming difficult.
Dietetics
Where weight is contributing to joint load, particularly in knee and hip osteoarthritis, or to address a pro-inflammatory diet, dietary support can be part of the picture.
Remedial Massage
May help manage muscular tension around affected joints for some people.
We work alongside your GP and specialist rather than in place of them, particularly for inflammatory arthritis where medication is central.
Starting Out
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
Your clinician will ask which joints are affected, how symptoms fluctuate, and what activities have become difficult. They will assess joint movement, strength and function, and screen for the features that would suggest medical review.
You will receive an explanation, initial treatment or strategies, and a plan focused on the activities that matter to you. Appointments are available in clinic at Roxburgh Park or in your home.
Ready to book?
Ready to get started?
Contact inOne Healthcare on 1300 765 456 or submit a referral online. Arthritis is supported by our Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Dietetics teams.
info@inonehealthcare.com.au
Flexible Options
Funding we accept.
Medicare
Support at Home
NDIS
AT-HM scheme
Private
Free 20min Consultation
Unsure what support you need, or have funding enquiries? Book a free 20-minute telehealth consultation with our team.