Joint pain and arthritis
Joint pain has many causes, from wear and tear in the knees to inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, uric acid crystals in gout, or pain after a viral fever. The right treatment depends on the cause. At Medcare in Bongaigaon, Dr. Tamoghna Das examines your joints, chooses the tests that help, and plans treatment to ease pain, protect the joints and keep you moving.
At a glance
- Common causes: osteoarthritis (wear and tear), gout, rheumatoid arthritis, pain after viral fevers, frozen shoulder in diabetes, back and neck strain
- Clues that matter: which joints, morning stiffness, swelling, redness, fever, age and family history
- Tests (lab of your choice): blood count, inflammation markers, uric acid, rheumatoid factor and others as needed, and X-rays when useful
- Treatment: exercise and weight care, pain relief used safely, and medicines that calm inflammatory arthritis
- At Medcare: consultation, examination, test planning, and long-term follow-up
Types of joint pain we see
- Osteoarthritis: gradual pain in knees, hips or hands, worse with use, with short stiffness after rest. More common after 45 and with extra weight.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: swelling and pain in small joints of both hands or feet, with morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes. Needs early treatment to prevent joint damage.
- Gout: sudden, very painful, red, swollen joint, often the big toe, linked to high uric acid.
- Post-viral joint pain: after fevers such as chikungunya or dengue, can last weeks or months.
- Diabetes-related problems: frozen shoulder, hand stiffness and trigger finger.
- Back and neck pain: usually from muscle strain or posture, sometimes from nerve compression.
What happens at Medcare
- History. Which joints, when pain started, swelling, stiffness, fevers, skin rashes, eye problems, family history and medicines tried.
- Examination. Every affected joint, plus spine, muscles and nerves.
- Tests. Chosen to answer specific questions, not a long panel for everyone.
- Diagnosis. Clear explanation of the type of arthritis and what to expect.
- Treatment. Exercises and weight advice, safe pain relief, and disease-modifying medicines for inflammatory arthritis, with blood test monitoring.
- Referral when needed. For joint injections, physiotherapy or joint replacement opinion, Dr. Das explains your options.
- History. Which joints, when pain started, swelling, stiffness, fevers, skin rashes, eye problems, family history and medicines tried.
- Examination. Every affected joint, plus spine, muscles and nerves.
- Tests. Chosen to answer specific questions, not a long panel for everyone.
- Diagnosis. Clear explanation of the type of arthritis and what to expect.
- Treatment. Exercises and weight advice, safe pain relief, and disease-modifying medicines for inflammatory arthritis, with blood test monitoring.
- Referral when needed. For joint injections, physiotherapy or joint replacement opinion, Dr. Das explains your options.
Living with joint pain
- Stay active: walking, cycling and gentle strengthening protect joints
- Lose extra weight: every kilogram lost reduces load on the knees
- Use painkillers only as advised, especially if you have kidney disease, heart disease, high BP or stomach ulcers
- For gout: drink plenty of water, limit alcohol, sugary drinks and large portions of red meat and organ meat
- Avoid unlabelled powders or injections promising quick relief; some contain hidden steroids
When to see a doctor urgently
Seek same-day care for a single hot, red, swollen joint with fever, which can be a joint infection. Call 108 or 112 for back pain with sudden leg weakness, numbness around the private parts, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
FAQs
Does high uric acid always mean gout?
No. Many people have high uric acid without ever having gout, and they usually do not need uric acid medicines. Gout is diagnosed when uric acid crystals cause attacks of joint pain and swelling. Treatment decisions depend on attacks, kidney function and other conditions.
Is joint pain just part of getting older?
Some wear and tear is common with age, but pain and stiffness should not be ignored. Exercise, weight control and the right treatment can greatly reduce pain. Swelling, morning stiffness or pain at a young age needs checking for inflammatory arthritis.
Should I rest or exercise a painful knee?
For osteoarthritis, regular gentle exercise helps more than rest. Strengthening the thigh muscles supports the knee and reduces pain. During a flare, reduce activity for a short time, then build up again. Dr. Das will suggest exercises that suit you.
Can diabetes cause joint problems?
Yes. People with diabetes more often get frozen shoulder, stiff hands, trigger finger and some foot joint problems. Good sugar control and early treatment help. Mention any joint symptoms at your diabetes visit.
Are painkillers safe for long-term use?
Common painkillers can harm the stomach, kidneys and heart if used often for long periods, especially in older adults and people with diabetes or high BP. Use them only as advised. Dr. Das will choose the safest option for you and look for treatments that reduce the need for them.
Sources
- Indian Rheumatology Association, guidelines
- American College of Rheumatology, guidelines on gout and rheumatoid arthritis
- OARSI guidelines on osteoarthritis
Related care
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tamoghna Das, MBBS, MD (Medicine) · Assam Council of Medical Registration No. 20276 · Last reviewed 3 October 2026
Book a visit with Dr. Tamoghna Das
Call 60031 21297 or send a WhatsApp message. We confirm your time within 30 to 60 minutes during clinic hours.