What Is Arthritis? Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Stiff, aching joints in the morning, discomfort climbing stairs, or hands that no longer grip as easily—arthritis affects millions of people and can quietly reshape daily life. Whether it starts suddenly or builds over time, arthritis can get in the way of sport, desk work, and everyday activities in the UAE. So what exactly is arthritis, why does it develop, and how can you manage it and stay active in cities like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha? Understanding the condition helps you make informed choices about care.

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a broad term for conditions that cause inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints. The two most common forms are osteoarthritis, a wear-and-related change in the joint cartilage that develops with age and use, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the joints. There are many other types too. Arthritis can affect one joint or several, and its impact ranges from mild to significant. Therapr helps you compare physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, and massage practitioners who emphasise assessment, evidence-informed care, and a realistic plan for arthritis that you can actually follow.

Symptoms and Signs

The classic signs of arthritis are joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, often worse in the morning or after periods of rest. Many people notice reduced range of motion, a grating or clicking sensation, warmth or tenderness around the joint, and fatigue—particularly with inflammatory types. Symptoms may come and go or gradually worsen. Commonly affected areas include the knees, hips, hands, and spine, which is why arthritis frequently overlaps with knee pain, hip pain, and broader joint health concerns. Tracking your symptoms helps a practitioner tailor your care.

Common Causes and Triggers

Arthritis has many causes depending on the type. Age, previous joint injuries, genetics, and excess body weight all increase the risk of osteoarthritis, while autoimmune and inflammatory processes drive rheumatoid and related forms. In the Gulf, sedentary, air-conditioned indoor lifestyles and long hours at a desk can weaken supporting muscles and stiffen joints, while limited outdoor activity in extreme heat may reduce overall movement. Carrying extra weight adds load to the knees and hips. Repetitive strain from sport or work can also contribute. Staying active within comfortable limits is one of the most protective habits.

Quick Facts

Also known as	Joint inflammation, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (by type)
Typically affects	More common with age, but can affect younger adults and children
Prevalence	One of the leading causes of joint pain and disability worldwide
Typical duration	Often long-term; managed rather than cured, especially chronic types
Related specialities	Physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic, massage therapy
When to seek help	Persistent joint pain, swelling, or stiffness limiting movement

How It Is Treated and Managed

While many types of arthritis cannot be cured, they can often be managed effectively to reduce pain and protect function. Movement is central: a physiotherapy professional can design exercises that strengthen the muscles around a joint, improve mobility, and reduce strain. Osteopathy and chiropractic care may help with alignment and comfort, while massage therapy can ease muscle tension and support relaxation. Maintaining a healthy weight, staying gently active, and using heat or cold for symptom relief all help. Inflammatory forms such as rheumatoid arthritis need medical management from a doctor, sometimes with specific medications. A combined, consistent approach usually works best.

Managing Arthritis in the Gulf

Physiotherapy and manual-therapy sessions in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar commonly range from around 250–600 AED, 250–600 SAR, or 250–600 QAR per session. Providers are regulated by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS), and Qatar's Ministry of Public Health (MOPH), so checking credentials is worthwhile. The climate is a factor: extreme summer heat can push people indoors and reduce activity, so indoor options such as pool-based exercise, gentle strength work, and guided mobility routines help keep joints moving year-round without overheating.

When to See a Professional

See a professional if joint pain, stiffness, or swelling persists for more than a couple of weeks, limits your movement, or is accompanied by warmth, redness, or fatigue. Early assessment can slow progression and preserve function, especially for inflammatory types that benefit from prompt medical care. A physiotherapist or osteopath can build a movement plan, while your doctor addresses any underlying inflammatory condition. There is no need to accept ongoing joint pain as simply part of ageing—support can improve comfort and mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is arthritis only an older person's condition?

No. While risk rises with age, arthritis can affect younger adults and even children, particularly inflammatory and autoimmune types. Injuries and genetics also play a role.

Will exercise make arthritis worse?

Appropriate, guided movement usually helps by strengthening supporting muscles and improving mobility. A physiotherapy professional can ensure exercises suit your joints and stage.

Can losing weight help arthritis?

Yes. Reducing excess weight lowers the load on weight-bearing joints like the knees and hips, which can noticeably ease pain and improve function.

The Bottom Line

Arthritis is common and, while often long-term, very manageable with the right movement, support, and medical care where needed. Staying active within comfortable limits is one of the best things you can do. Explore practitioners for arthritis and related joint health concerns on Therapr, or start with physiotherapy in Dubai to build a plan that keeps you moving.

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This article is for information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

What Is Arthritis? Symptoms, Causes and Treatment