Why do several joints hurt, and when is rheumatology assessment needed?
Pain in several joints may follow overuse, temporary infection, inflammatory disease or other causes. It does not alone diagnose rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Swelling, prolonged morning stiffness, symmetry and general symptoms guide investigation and referral.
Details
Describe the pattern
Record affected joints, stiffness duration, whether movement helps, and fever, rash or fatigue. Pain in surrounding muscles can resemble joint pain; examination helps distinguish this before broad autoimmune testing.
When to arrange early review
Seek review for persistent pain affecting sleep or activity, particularly with recurrent swelling or morning stiffness lasting over half an hour. Do not wait for deformity or self-start steroids, which can mask infection and complicate assessment.
A hot swollen joint needs urgency
Severe pain in a hot swollen joint with fever or feeling unwell requires urgent evaluation. Inability to bear weight or deformity after injury is also urgent. Appropriate movement can help, but do not force painful exercise through an inflamed joint.
Related reading: Does painless knee cracking mean arthritis or joint damage?.