Assessment of patients with painful joints

Abstract

Joint pain makes up a significant proportion of presentations to general practice. Causes range from minor mechanical issues to serious conditions such as septic arthritis. Clues from the history such as onset, progression, and extra-articular symptoms aid diagnosis. Many cases of joint pain are appropriately investigated and managed in general practice, but some presentations require referral to secondary care, such as those with signs or symptoms of inflammatory arthritis. It is crucial that red flags for serious or life-threatening causes of joint pain are identified and acted upon urgently.