Inflammatory Arthritis

Emergency

• Features of septic arthritis
• If there is one acutely swollen joint, please refer to Emergency Department for exclusion of septic arthritis.

If you, or someone else, are experiencing a serious and life-threatening injury or illness call triple zero (000) immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

Learn more about when to access emergency care and non-emergency care options if the injury or illness is not serious or life-threatening.

Red location flags are clinical indicators of possible serious underlying conditions requiring further medical intervention. They may or may not indicate an emergency.

Information to be included in the referral

History

All referrals should comply to the referral standards and include in particular:

• Documentation of duration of morning stiffness, presence of joint swelling, metatarsal squeeze test
• Constitutional symptoms including weight loss
• History of uveitis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, tendinitis, sicca symptoms, Raynaud's
• Functional impairment
• Occupation and social situation
• Relevant family history
• Precipitating events - e.g. recent gut, urinary, Strep infections
• Distribution of joints involved
• Smoking status
• Occupation and social situation

Where the diagnosis is previously established then periodic review by a Rheumatologist is recommended or if:

• Systemic symptoms.
• Increasing deformity
• Worsening of disability
• Threat to independence
• Difficulty with employment
• Assistance needed with self-management
• Problems with medication tolerability/toxicity

Tests

• FBE
• LFT + U&E
• ESR and CRP
• RhF, Anti-CCP, ANA

Interim/GP management

To refer a patient with this condition, please see the Rheumatology clinic page for the full referral process and templates.

Consider paracetamol and NSAIDS to reduce symptoms.

Short courses of oral corticosteroids may be appropriate.

Physical therapies e.g. regular exercise, stretching, weight control, heat and ice may improve symptoms and maintain mobility.

For more information please see the HealthPathways Tasmania website.

Patient information advice is found at Arthritis Australia

Clinic appointments

Urgent (Category 1)

Contact registrar or consultant for management advice or earlier appointment

Please discuss with registrar or consultant. We will endeavour to see these patients within four weeks.

Urgent referrals (e.g. temporal arteritis, septic arthritis) should be accompanied by a phone call to the Rheumatology Registrar or Consultant for urgent assessment, or patient should be directed to the Emergency Department.

Semi-urgent (Category 2)

Active Inflammatory Arthritis

Routine (Category 3)

Next available appointment

Availability

View all clinic availability