Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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Rheumatic conditions

Rheumatic conditions are a broad group of disorders affecting joints, muscles, tendons, bones and connective tissue. Causes and treatments vary greatly. Persistent swelling, prolonged morning stiffness or a hot joint with fever require medical assessment.

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Rheumatic conditions are a broad group of disorders affecting joints, muscles, tendons, bones and connective tissue. Causes and treatments vary greatly. Persistent swelling, prolonged morning stiffness or a hot joint with fever require medical assessment.

  • Pain, warmth, swelling, stiffness or reduced movement in one or more joints.
  • Prolonged morning stiffness and swollen joints are more suggestive of inflammation.
  • Keep moving regularly with a manageable combination of fitness, strength and mobility exercises.
  • Spread out activities, vary posture and demands, and build up gradually after a flare-up.
  • Make an appointment for a joint that remains swollen for weeks, prolonged morning stiffness or recurring flare-ups.
  • For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.

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J
Joint problemsJoint problems include pain, stiffness, swelling or reduced movement in one or more joints. Possible causes include overuse, injury, osteoarthritis, gout, an inflammatory disease and infection. Location, duration, morning stiffness, swelling and other symptoms help distinguish them. A suddenly red, hot, swollen and very painful joint, especially with fever or feeling unwell, needs urgent assessment the same day.
I
Inflammation in the joints of the back and pelvis (axial spondyloarthritis)Axial spondyloarthritis is a long-term rheumatic inflammation mainly affecting the joints between the pelvis and spine and the back. Movement, targeted exercise therapy and medicines can reduce pain and stiffness and limit damage.
P
Polymyalgia rheumaticaPolymyalgia rheumatica causes pain and prolonged morning stiffness around the shoulders and hips, mainly in people over 50. It often responds quickly to corticosteroids, but follow-up checks are needed.