What is arthritis?

Arthritis is more than just sore joints, it’s a condition that can affect almost any part of your body. You might feel it most in your knees, hips, spine, fingers or toes – but for some, it can also affect the skin, internal organs, and more.

Arthritis doesn’t just affect older people. It can happen at any age, and it affects everyone differently. If you’re starting to notice pain, swelling, or stiffness in your joints, you’re not alone, and it’s okay to ask questions.

There are many different types of arthritis. Each one has its own causes, symptoms, and treatments. Some types are linked to your immune system, others to injury, family history, or lifestyle. While arthritis is a long-term (chronic) condition, the good news is that there are effective treatments that can help you feel more in control. The sooner you understand what’s going on in your body, the more options you’ll have to manage it well.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, the most common types of arthritis are:

• Osteoarthritis
• Gout
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Whether you’re just beginning to notice symptoms or you’ve recently received a diagnosis, we’re here to walk alongside you and your whānau. With the right information and support, it is possible to live well with arthritis.

This question is best answered by a medical professional. Because arthritis affects individuals differently and symptoms vary widely, diagnosis is not always straightforward. Speaking with your doctor is essential if you’re experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or other symptoms.

If you’re wondering whether you might have arthritis, you’re not alone. Many people start with the same question – especially when joint pain, swelling, or stiffness starts to affect daily life.

Arthritis looks different for everyone. The signs can come and go, feel mild or intense, and sometimes be hard to explain. That’s why getting the right diagnosis is so important. Only a doctor or specialist can tell you for sure if arthritis is the cause of your symptoms.

If your joints are sore, stiff, or swollen – especially for more than a few weeks – it’s a good idea to have a chat with your GP. You deserve answers, and early support can make a real difference.

No matter what’s going on, you don’t have to figure it out alone. We're here to support you and your whānau, every step of the way.

If you're feeling joint pain, stiffness, or swelling that’s hard to explain, you might be wondering what's going on. These are some of the most common signs of arthritis, but everyone experiences them differently.

You might notice:

• Ongoing or on-and-off pain in one or more joints
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after resting
• Swelling or tenderness around the joint
• Trouble moving the joint easily
• Muscle aches around the area
• Feeling tired, low in energy, or generally unwell
• In some types of arthritis, you might also get fevers or even rashes

It's important to know that sore joints don’t always mean arthritis – there are lots of reasons your joints might hurt. But if the pain or stiffness comes out of nowhere, sticks around for more than a few days, or is joined by redness, warmth, or swelling, it’s time to talk to your doctor.

Keeping track of your symptoms in a diary or on your phone can help you spot patterns and give your doctor useful information.

Over time, painful joints can also affect other parts of your life, such as:

• Weakened muscles – for example, a weaker grip
• Reduced flexibility or mobility
• Lower fitness levels or energy

Arthritis can have a big impact on your day-to-day life and the things you enjoy. That’s why early diagnosis and treatment matter – they can help you stay active, protect your joints, and support your hauora (wellbeing) for the long term.

You're not alone on this journey. If you're unsure, reach out – support and answers are closer than you think.

Autoimmune types of arthritis happen when your immune system, which usually protects your body, starts attacking healthy parts of your joints. This causes inflammation that can lead to pain, stiffness, swelling, and fatigue.

If you're feeling unwell and don’t know why, or you’ve just been told you may have an autoimmune condition and are being referred to a rheumatologist, you’re not alone. These conditions can be confusing at first, but there is support available and ways to manage what you’re going through.

Some of the more common types of autoimmune arthritis include:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis

Other conditions in this group are:

• Reactive arthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Lupus (SLE)
• Polymyalgia rheumatica
• Scleroderma
• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Common symptoms

Autoimmune arthritis affects everyone differently, but you might notice:

• Fatigue – feeling constantly tired
• Fever or flu-like symptoms
• Joint pain and stiffness
• Swelling in your joints
• Weakness or feeling unwell overall

There’s no single cause. Your genetics (whakapapa) may play a role, especially if autoimmune conditions run in your whānau. Other triggers might include smoking, stress, obesity, infections, or environmental factors.

Autoimmune conditions affect everyone differently – for example, rheumatoid arthritis is more common in women, while ankylosing spondylitis tends to affect more men.

There is no cure, but there is help. Starting treatment early can reduce long-term damage, improve your quality of life, and help you feel more in control.

You deserve to understand your options. Here are some helpful questions you can ask:

• How do I keep track of my blood tests and results?
• How long will it take for the medication to work?
• What side effects should I watch for?
• What can I do to reduce the chance of side effects?
• Who do I call if I have a flare or side effect?
• Do I need to stop taking any other medications or supplements?