Is it arthritis? Beware the mimics

The term arthritis is not specific enough to be regarded as a diagnosis. Many patients believe any joint pain is due to 'arthritis' but their understanding of the term can be very vague.

It is important to have a working protocol when a patient presents with aching joints. This article draws attention to the variety of possibilities that may underly the patient's symptoms.

A variety of local and systemic causes may explain pain in one or more joints. Differentiating these requires a thorough and purposeful history. Eliciting certain features such as the presence of stiffness, the occurrence of night pain or associated features such as fever or weight loss help differentiate underlying pathology. In older people it is important to bear in mind the possibility of polymyalgia rheumatica. By considering the range of possibilities, the practitioner is less likely to be fooled by the mimics.