Early recognition of inflammatory arthritis

Abstract

The term inflammatory polyarthritis describes a family of diseases, which includes rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and axial spondyloarthritis, where abnormal immune system function causes inflammation within joint tissues. We know that early diagnosis of inflammatory polyarthritis improves long-term outcomes significantly; if left untreated inflammation can cause irreversible joint damage and lead to persistent pain and disability. A recent national audit in the UK has shown significant delays in diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis in primary care, with only 16% of patients referred within the target time of 3 working days. It is important that GPs are aware of the key symptoms and signs of inflammatory arthritis, can confidently differentiate inflammatory and mechanical causes of joint pain, and are aware of when urgent referral to rheumatology is appropriate.