Frequently Asked Questions

Arthritis refers to the inflammation of the joints. A person with arthritis will typically complain of pain and swelling in the joint(s). Both small joints, such as those in the fingers, and large joints, such as the knee and hip, can be affected. As arthritis worsens, the joints can become stiff or deformed, resulting in decreased mobility and increased disability.

There are over 100 arthritic conditions. Arthritis can be broadly classified into 2 main groups:
Non-inflammatory arthritis, of which Osteoarthritis (OA) or degenerative joint disease is the most common; and Inflammatory arthritis such as Rheumatoid arthritis, gout or spondyloarthropathies.

Arthritis cannot be cured. Although the condition will not go away, you can manage it with treatment and improve your quality of life. Speak to your rheumatologist to draw up your personal treatment plan.

Common symptoms of arthritis include pain, redness, heat, and swelling in your joints. If you have arthritis, it is important for your doctor to diagnose the type of arthritis you have so that you can get the proper treatment.

Osteoarthritis is caused by the wear and tear of the joint over time or because of overuse. Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma are caused by the body’s immune system attacking the body’s own tissues. Gout is caused by the build-up of crystals in the joints. Some forms of arthritis can be linked to genes.

Rheumatism is a very general term which people use to describe pain and/or stiffness of muscles and joints. Patients who complain of ‘rheumatism’ may be suffering from arthritis.

In arthritis, the shock-absorbing cartilage that normally cushions your bone does not function properly. This may be due to wear and tear, or inflammation of your joints, causing it to hurt.

Arthritis does not lead to death. However, it may increase your risk of other diseases which may affect your life span.

Yes, children can develop juvenile arthritis. Treatment may involve a multidisciplinary approach, including medications, physical therapy, and support from paediatric rheumatologists.

Juvenile arthritis is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks its healthy cells and tissues. Children may outgrow juvenile arthritis and recover fully. Others may find their conditions getting worse as they grow or develop other complications.

Arthritis can affect people of all ages, including children (juvenile arthritis), adults, and seniors. The impact on daily life and treatment approaches may vary across age groups.

Women with arthritis may experience changes in symptoms during pregnancy. It’s crucial to work closely with healthcare providers to manage arthritis symptoms while considering the well-being of both the mother and baby.

Your doctor may perform or recommend the following tests to check for arthritis:

Physical examination
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and check your joints for any swelling, redness or pain.

Diagnostic tests
To further evaluate your condition, the doctor may recommend the following diagnostic tests and procedures:

Laboratory test results can help to determine the form of your arthritis and rule out other health conditions that may be causing your symptoms. Examples of laboratory tests include blood tests, urinalysis and joint fluid analysis.

X-ray images can detect changes and damage in the bone, cartilage and joints to monitor the disease’s progression.

Ultrasound tests use high-frequency sound waves to produce an image of the cartilage, soft tissues and other structures near your joints.

Computerised tomography (CT) scans use special X-ray equipment and computer software to examine joints that are hard to evaluate using conventional X-rays, such as the pelvis or the spine.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans provide 3D images of tissues, bones and joints to show infections, tears and swelling. MRI scans can also detect early signs of arthritis that cannot be seen on X-ray.

Depending on the type of arthritis you have, your doctor may recommend a combination of the following treatments:

• Exercise to maintain the strength of your muscles and ligaments so as to stabilise your joints.
• Medicines such as disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs for rheumatoid arthritis.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drugs to reduce pain, swelling and stiffness.
• Steroids injected directly into a joint to ease pain and swelling.
• Physiotherapy to stabilise the joint.
• Surgery to correct a joint deformity or to replace a badly damaged joint.

Do note that treatments vary depending on the type of arthritis. The main goals of arthritis treatments are to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life. Please consult your doctor to find out more about the treatment options for your specific condition.

There are several ways to relieve arthritis pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroid injections may help with pain relief. Apart from medication, you may try the following home remedies:

• Exercises to keep your joints flexible and strengthen the muscles around your joints for better support.
• Weight loss if you are overweight, to relieve pressure on your joints and improve your mobility.
• Heat treatment, such as taking a warm shower, to relieve stiffness.
• Cold treatment, such as using a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain.
• A healthy diet can help to ease inflammation and relieve joint pain.
• Meditation to reduce stress and cope with the pain.
• Massage to relieve discomfort and reduce stress.

Your doctor will recommend the most suitable treatment plan to meet your health goals and lifestyle.

Our Patient Care Subsidy Fund aids financially strapped arthritis patients for treatment recommended by their physicians. Among other services covered, these include subsidies for medication, diagnostic tests, mobility devices and physiotherapy. Patients who wish to access NAF’s assistance schemes should visit one of the local public hospitals and seek assistance from the hospital’s Medical Social Worker (MSW).

Patients who require transportation assistance should approach the MSW at the local public hospital, where the MSW will apply to NAF on their behalf. If approved, the patient’s taxi fares to and from the hospital for their regular check ups will be subsidised by NAF. Patients will have to download the Transportation Claim form from NAF website and submit their transport claims for reimbursement.

Join our support groups to acquire knowledge and get empowered to manage your arthritis with support from others who know what it’s like. We regularly organise activities – from educational talks to social outings and exercise sessions – that allow you to interact with those who have gone through similar disease journeys.

Living with arthritis isn’t always easy. Support groups can offer a safe environment where you can share painful experiences that you might be too embarrassed to tell a friend or loved one. It also is a great way to get out of the house, meet new people and interact with others. In talking to them, you will see that you’re not alone in your struggle.

To gain access to our support groups, simply sign up to become a NAF Life member. We will then get in touch with you to seek your consent in adding you to a respective chat group as an initiation to the support group.