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    3. Rheumatology
    4. Inflammatory arthritis

    Inflammatory Arthritis 

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in Central London, our experienced rheumatology specialists provide expert assessment, diagnosis and treatment for inflammatory arthritis. Using advanced diagnostic investigations and a multidisciplinary approach, we work to identify the underlying cause of joint inflammation and develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.

    Inflammatory arthritis can affect people of all ages and, without appropriate treatment, may lead to progressive joint damage and reduced mobility. Early diagnosis and specialist care can help control symptoms, protect joint function and improve long-term outcomes.

    • Inflammatory arthritis is an autoimmune condition that usually affects a group of joints in the body at the same time, but can also be isolated to one joint. During flare-ups, inflammatory arthritis causes stiffness, discomfort and swelling around the affected areas. 

      Unlike osteoarthritis, which develops primarily through wear and tear, inflammatory arthritis occurs when the body's immune system, infection or crystal deposits trigger inflammation within the joints. 

      Because inflammatory arthritis encompasses several different conditions, accurate diagnosis is essential to ensure the most appropriate treatment.

    • Symptoms can vary depending on the specific type of inflammatory arthritis and the severity of inflammation. 

      You may experience: 

      • Joint pain and stiffness, more noticeable after periods of rest

      • Swelling or redness around one or more joints

      • A feeling of warmth across the affected joint

      • Persistent symptoms that interfere with daily activities

      Some individuals experience intermittent flare-ups, while others may develop ongoing symptoms that gradually worsen over time.

      If you are experiencing persistent joint pain, swelling or stiffness, seeking specialist assessment can help identify the cause and prevent long-term complications.

    • Understanding inflammatory arthritis causes is an important part of diagnosis and treatment planning.

      Inflammatory arthritis is not a single condition but an umbrella term covering several disorders with different underlying causes. In many cases, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissues, resulting in inflammation. In other forms, inflammation may be triggered by infection or crystal deposits within the joints.

      Common types of inflammatory arthritis include:

      • Rheumatoid arthritis, where symmetric inflammation appears in small joints like the hands and feet.

      • Psoriatic Arthritis, affecting those with psoriasis, causing pain and swelling in fingers and toes.

      • Ankylosing Spondylitis, targeting the spine and pelvis, causing lower back pain and stiffness

      • Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), most common type of arthritis in under 16s, causing joint pain, swelling and stiffness

      • Gout, triggered by an excess of uric acid in the blood, leading to the formation of urate crystals in the joints

      • Pseudogout, caused by calcium, pyrophosphate crystals

      • Septic arthritis, a fast onset bacterial infection that requires immediate medical treatment

      • Reactive arthritis, triggered by an infection in the gut, genitals or urinary tract

      Your consultant will ask where you’re experiencing symptoms to rule out different types of arthritis, and other conditions with similar symptoms.

    • At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, diagnosis begins with a comprehensive assessment by a specialist rheumatology consultant.

      Our team takes time to understand your symptoms, medical history, family history and overall health before recommending appropriate investigations.

      Tests for inflammatory arthritis include: 

      • Physical examination, where your consultant will assess movement around the joint, and check for noticeable swelling or redness

      • Review of your medical history, including previous family records of arthritis

      • Blood tests, to rule out other conditions or signs of infection

      • Imaging, such as X-rays, Ultrasound or MRI to detect joint inflammation or bone changes. These investigations can detect inflammation, joint damage and structural changes that may not be apparent during physical examination alone. 

      Where appropriate, our rheumatologists work closely with specialists in radiology, orthopaedics, physiotherapy and other disciplines to ensure a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment strategy.

    • Many patients ask how to treat inflammatory arthritis. The most effective approach depends on the specific diagnosis, the severity of symptoms and the extent of joint involvement.

      At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, every treatment plan is tailored to the individual and designed to manage symptoms, control inflammation and protect long-term joint health.

      Treatments may include: 

      Medications

      Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, may help reduce pain and stiffness. While these medications can improve symptoms, they do not alter the underlying disease process. 

      Corticosteroids

      Steroid treatments may be prescribed for short-term control of inflammation during flare-ups or while longer-term therapies begin to take effect. 

      Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs

      DMARDs (Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine, Leflunomide and Hydroxychloroquine) are commonly used to slow disease progression and reduce the risk of joint damage in autoimmune forms of inflammatory arthritis. 

      Biologic and targeted therapies

      For patients who do not respond adequately to conventional DMARDs, advanced therapies may be recommended.

      These may include:

      • Adalimumab
      • Etanercept
      • Tocilizumab
      • Upadacitinib

      These treatments require careful monitoring and ongoing specialist supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness.

      Depending on your needs, treatment may also include:

      • Physiotherapy
      • Exercise guidance
      • Lifestyle modifications
      • Pain management strategies

      Our multidisciplinary team works closely together to support your overall health, mobility and quality of life throughout treatment.

    • Patients choose Mayo Clinic Healthcare for access to internationally recognised expertise in rheumatology and complex musculoskeletal conditions.

      Our approach combines:

      • Specialist rheumatology consultants with extensive experience in inflammatory joint disorders
      • Advanced diagnostic imaging and laboratory investigations
      • Personalised treatment plans tailored to each patient
      • Multidisciplinary collaboration across specialties
      • Access to innovative therapies where clinically appropriate
      • A convenient location in the heart of central London

      As part of the globally recognised Mayo Clinic network, we are committed to delivering exceptional patient-centred care informed by the latest evidence and clinical best practice.

    Private health insurance for rheumatology treatment

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.

    Request an Appointment

    If you are experiencing ongoing joint pain, swelling or stiffness, our rheumatology specialists can provide expert assessment, diagnosis and personalised treatment for inflammatory arthritis. 

    Our team is here to answer your questions and provide personalised treatment options. Request an appointment with us today. or call +44 (0) 207 871 2575.

     

    Medically Reviewed by 

    Dr Anna Nuttall, Consultant Rheumatologist

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