Conditions
Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, spondyloarthritis, gout, and Behcet's disease and vasculitis, each explained in plain language. Their signs can look alike, so leave the diagnosis to your doctor.
Rheumatoid arthritis
The immune system attacks the lining of the joints by mistake. Joints become painful, swollen and stiff, mostly in the hands, feet and wrists. Early treatment can prevent joint damage, so seeing a doctor early matters.
Read moreLupus
An autoimmune disease with many faces: joint pain, extreme tiredness and rashes that follow sun exposure. The kidneys and heart can be affected too.
Read moreSpondyloarthritis
Long-lasting back pain and stiffness that often begins in the teens or twenties, and the arthritis that comes with psoriasis.
Read moreGout
Sudden, severe joint pain, often in the big toe. With the right treatment it is one of the most controllable forms of arthritis.
Read moreBehcet's disease and vasculitis
Inflammation of the blood vessels: repeated mouth and genital ulcers, a red and painful eye and, later in life, a new headache with pain at the temples.
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The full patient guide
What to bring to the first visit, what monitoring tests are for, how to take your medicines at home, what to do in a flare, and when to act urgently.