Joint pain: a practical guide to the diagnosis of arthritis

Joint pain is one of the most common reasons for consultation in clinical practice, and its correct interpretation presents a diagnostic challenge due to the wide variety of causes and clinical presentations. The assessment of joint pain requires a structured clinical approach that allows differentiation between joint and extra-articular causes and distinguishes between inflammatory and non-inflammatory processes. A detailed medical history and targeted physical examination form the cornerstone of the diagnostic process, facilitating the identification of clinical patterns based on the number of joints affected, their distribution and the course of the condition over time. Supporting investigations, including laboratory tests, synovial fluid analysis and imaging techniques, should be used judiciously and always within the clinical context, avoiding indiscriminate testing. This approach allows for the early recognition of potentially serious conditions, the identification of warning signs and the optimisation of decision-making in clinical practice.