Most of us expect a bit of joint pain as we get older. A stiff knee in the morning. Fingers that ache after a long day of typing. We shrug and tell ourselves it’s “just ageing.”
But sometimes, that ache isn’t simply wear and tear. Sometimes, it’s a warning — a sign of inflammation that deserves attention. Understanding the difference between osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis can make a huge difference in how your joints fare over time.
The Usual Suspect: Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, or OA, is often called degenerative arthritis. It’s the kind most people associate with getting older. Cartilage — the cushion in our joints — gradually wears away with age. As it progresses, the bones rub against each other, causing stiffness, swelling, and pain.
OA tends to hit weight-bearing joints: knees, hips, and the spine. Fingers aren’t immune either. The stiffness is usually worse in the morning but lasts less than 30 mins & eases once you start moving. Pain often gets worse after activity and improves with rest.
Some older adults develop small bony lumps on their finger joints, called Heberden’s & Bouchard’s nodes.
OA creeps in slowly over the years. It can limit activity, sure, but it usually doesn’t bring the fever, fatigue, or other systemic signs that inflammatory arthritis can.
When Pain Means More Than “Wear and Tear”
Inflammatory arthritis is different. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis happen when the immune system mistakenly attacks your own joints. This isn’t about getting older — it’s about inflammation, and it can strike at any age.
Inflammatory arthritis often affects small joints of hands, feet & wrists symmetrically — the same joints on both sides. Morning stiffness lasts longer, sometimes over an hour.
Swelling can be obvious. Fatigue, low-grade fever, or a general sense of being unwell can come along for the ride. Left untreated, these conditions can cause permanent joint damage and disability.
It’s easy to write off joint pain as just part of getting older, but some signs shouldn’t be ignored.
Persistent swelling, redness, or warmth in the joints, stiffness that lasts more than an hour in the morning, pain that wakes you at night, unexplained fatigue, fevers, or weight loss, and symptoms that worsen quickly over weeks or months are all warning signals.
Paying attention to these and getting evaluated early can prevent permanent damage and help keep your joints moving.
Why Early Consultation Matters
With osteoarthritis, acting early makes a difference. Gentle exercise, muscle strengthening, keeping a healthy weight, and physiotherapy can slow joint wear. Pain relievers or creams can ease symptoms along the way.
In some cases, injections or surgery may be needed. Calcium and Vit-D supplements are advised when appropriate.
Inflammatory arthritis is another story. Here, disease-modifying medications or biologics are often necessary to control the immune system and prevent joint destruction.
Starting treatment early can make a huge difference — it can prevent deformities and keep joints working well. Wait too long, and the chance to avoid permanent damage may be lost.
Lifestyle Still Matters
No matter the type of arthritis, lifestyle plays a key role. Gentle movement keeps joints flexible and muscles strong. Eating a balanced diet with anti-inflammatory foods helps reduce overall inflammation.
Rest matters too, and so does mental health — chronic pain can be exhausting. Getting adequate sleep and managing stress are essential. It's also advised to stop smoking and drinking alcohol, or to consume them in moderation.
It’s easy to underestimate small daily choices. Moving a little more, eating thoughtfully, pacing activity — these things may seem minor, but they add up.
Breaking the “It’s Just Ageing” Mindset
One of the hardest habits to break is assuming joint pain is just part of getting older. Many patients wait until the pain is severe. By then, significant damage may already be done. Recognising the type of arthritis early — and acting on it — can prevent years of suffering and functional loss.
Arthritis isn’t a single disease. The treatment, the prognosis, and the outcomes are very different depending on the type. Listening to your body, noticing patterns, and seeking early help can make all the difference.
A Final Word
If your joints ache, don’t shrug it off. Track your symptoms. Notice how long stiffness lasts. Look for swelling or other systemic signs. If your joints feel off or sore, see a rheumatologist. Catching it early and starting treatment can protect your joints and keep you moving comfortably.
Your joints carry you through everything — literally. They deserve attention, care, and respect.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author and not of Health Dialogues. The Editorial/Content team of Health Dialogues has not contributed to the writing/editing/packaging of this article.
