Arthritis Treatment

You should consult a doctor for arthritis if you experience:

• Persistent joint pain or stiffness that lasts more than a few days
• Swelling, redness, or warmth around a joint
• Difficulty moving a joint or doing daily activities
• Morning stiffness that lasts more than 30 minutes
• Unexplained fatigue, weight loss, or fever alongside joint symptoms
• Symptoms that worsen over time or affect multiple joints

Arthritis is a broad term that refers to inflammation of the joints, and there are over 100 different types. The most common types include:

Osteoarthritis (OA): This is the most common form and occurs due to wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions the joints. It often affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine and is more common with age.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): An autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the lining of the joints, causing pain, swelling, and potential joint deformity. It can affect multiple joints symmetrically and may lead to fatigue and systemic issues.

Psoriatic arthritis: Often seen in people with psoriasis, this type combines joint inflammation with skin symptoms. It can affect any part of the body and varies in severity.

Ankylosing spondylitis: A type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine, causing stiffness and pain. Over time, it can lead to fusion of the vertebrae.

Gout: Caused by a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, gout often starts suddenly and usually affects the big toe.

Juvenile arthritis: This affects children under 16 and can lead to long-term joint damage if not treated early.

Arthritis can develop from a variety of causes depending on the type. Here are some common causes and contributing factors:

• Wear and tear: Osteoarthritis, the most common form, is caused by the gradual breakdown of cartilage due to ageing, repetitive movements, or joint injuries.
• Autoimmune response: In rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory types, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissue, leading to inflammation and joint damage.
• Genetics: A family history of arthritis can increase your risk, especially for autoimmune types like rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis.
• Infections: Certain bacterial or viral infections can trigger joint inflammation, leading to septic arthritis or reactive arthritis.
• Metabolic issues: Conditions like gout result from metabolic problems where excess uric acid forms crystals in the joints.
• Obesity: Excess weight puts additional stress on weight-bearing joints and may increase inflammation throughout the body.
• Joint injuries: Past injuries or repeated stress on a joint can contribute to the development of arthritis over time.

The symptoms of arthritis can vary depending on the type, but common signs include:

• Joint pain: A persistent or recurring ache in the joints, often worsening with activity or after periods of inactivity.
• Stiffness: Joints may feel stiff, especially in the morning or after sitting still for long periods.
• Swelling: Inflammation can cause joints to swell, appear red, or feel warm to the touch.
• Reduced range of motion: You might find it difficult to move the joint through its full range.
• Fatigue: Especially in inflammatory types like rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue can be a common symptom.
• Tenderness: Joints may feel sore when touched or during movement.
• Joint deformity: In advanced stages, the shape of the joint may change due to damage.
• Cracking or grating sounds: You might hear or feel joints grinding, especially in osteoarthritis.

While arthritis can’t always be prevented especially when it’s linked to genetics, age, or autoimmune conditions, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk or delay its onset, such as:

• Maintaining a healthy weight helps ease stress on your joints, particularly in the knees, hips, and spine.
• Staying physically active with regular, low-impact exercise keeps your joints flexible and muscles strong.
• Avoiding joint injuries and practising good posture can also lower your risk.
• Eating a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, like fruits, vegetables, omega-3s, and whole grains, supports joint health.
• Quitting smoking, cutting down on alcohol, and managing chronic conditions like diabetes can further help reduce your risk.

An online doctor can be a convenient and effective resource for managing arthritis. Through a telehealth consultation, they can assess your symptoms, review your medical history, and provide guidance on managing pain and inflammation. To speak to a qualified online doctor in Australia:

• Visit the website or app of Hola Health
• Click on telehealth consultations, select see a doctor and select the consultation type
• Fill in the details and make payment
• Speak to a telehealth doctor within 15 minutes
• If needed, online scripts will be sent via SMS, referrals and medical certificates will be sent via email.

Yes, you can speak to a virtual doctor 24 hours a day through Hola Health. Connect with an AHPRA-registered doctor who can offer medical advice, prescriptions, referrals, and even medical certificates anytime, day or night.

You can request a medical certificate online when suffering with pain or discomfort through online healthcare services. Telehealth medical certificates allow you to access single-day same-day certificate or multi-day medical certificates with 15 minutes, 24/7.

You can get an online prescription through telehealth services from anywhere in Australia. To request a script online:

• Start here and click on request an instant script
• Choose the consultation type, fill in the details and make payment
• Speak to an online health practitioner within 15 minutes
• If approved, you will receive an online script via SMS instantly.

For arthritis, online doctors can provide referrals depending on your symptoms and needs. These may include:

• Specialist referral: For specialised diagnosis and long-term arthritis management.
• Radiology referrals: Such as X-rays and radiology scans to assess joint damage or inflammation.
• Pathology referrals: For blood tests that can help confirm types of arthritis

Hola Health can support you in managing arthritis conveniently and effectively from the comfort of your home. Here’s how:

• Telehealth doctor consultations: Consult an AHPRA-registered doctor 24/7 without needing to visit a clinic.
• Medical certificates: Easily request medical certificates in Australia if symptoms are affecting your ability to work or study.
• Referrals: Get instant referrals to specialists, or for imaging like X-ray referrals or pathology referrals.
• eScripts: Receive online prescriptions sent directly to your phone. These can be dispensed at your nearby pharmacy or get them delivered through online pharmacy delivery.

Connect to a registered practitioner within 15 minutes from anywhere in Australia, 24/7 for:

• Instant GP consultations Australia
• Online scripts in Australia
• Request sickies within minutes
• GP referrals 24/7