Home / Conditions / Joint pain
Joint pain
Joint pain may be mechanical or inflammatory. KPMC physicians and rheumatology care assess gout, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and related conditions; orthopaedic surgeons assess structural joint problems.
Overview
A single painful joint after activity is different from several swollen joints with morning stiffness. Both deserve proper assessment rather than self-diagnosis.
Common symptoms
- Pain, swelling or warmth in one or more joints
- Morning stiffness
- Reduced grip or walking
- Rashes or general unwellness with joint pain
Possible causes
- Osteoarthritis
- Gout
- Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory disease
- Injury or overuse
When to seek medical help
- A hot, very painful joint with fever
- Sudden inability to use the joint
- Several joints involved with fatigue or rash
- Known gout or inflammatory disease that is flaring
Diagnosis
Blood tests at KPMC Laboratory and imaging such as X-ray may be used. Results are interpreted by the treating clinician — tests do not diagnose on their own.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause and may include medicines, joint protection, physiotherapy or, for structural disease, surgical options after specialist review.
This page is for navigation and general information only. It does not diagnose illness or replace assessment by a qualified clinician. If symptoms are severe, sudden or rapidly worsening, go to Emergency & Trauma or call 999.
Related specialists at KPMC Kajang
Questions patients often ask
Who should I see first?
For suspected inflammatory disease, Internal Medicine / rheumatology is often appropriate. For injury or planned joint replacement, see Orthopaedics.
