Hein Viljoen
Physiotherapy
Arthritis is far more common than most people realise. According to the World Health Organization, osteoarthritis alone affects more than 500 million people worldwide.
Arthritis rarely starts the way people expect. It does not usually begin with severe pain or obvious limitation. Instead, it shows up in small, easy-to-miss ways. A bit of stiffness in the morning, a knee that feels slightly off on the stairs, or even fingers that do not move as freely as they used to.
On their own, these changes do not seem significant. But when they start to repeat, they are often your joints trying to tell you something.
At its simplest, arthritis is joint irritation. In some cases, it develops gradually as the joint is repeatedly loaded over time (osteoarthritis). In others, it is driven by the body’s immune system (as in rheumatoid arthritis).
It is also not limited to older adults. We regularly see early joint changes in active individuals, people with previous injuries, and those whose daily routines place consistent strain on certain joints.
1. Persistent morning stiffness
It is normal to feel slightly stiff when you first get up. But if that stiffness takes time to ease, often 20–30 minutes or more, it usually means the joint is not settling as well as it should. This is commonly reported in the hands, knees, and lower back.
2. Pain that follows a pattern
Early arthritis pain is rarely constant. Most feel fine during activity but notice discomfort later or the next morning. Because it settles, it can seem unimportant. But remember, recurring patterns matter clinically.
3. Subtle joint swelling
Swelling is not always obvious. It may present as a feeling of fullness in a knee, tightness around rings, or a general sense that the joint feels different. These changes are often overlooked but can indicate ongoing irritation.
4. Reduced movement
A gradual loss of movement is another early sign. This might present as difficulty squatting fully, limited neck rotation, or a knee that does not fully straighten. Many people adapt to these changes without realising it.
5. Joint noise with discomfort
Clicking or grinding sensations, known as crepitus, are common. On their own, they are not always a concern. When they occur alongside stiffness or pain, they often reflect changes in the joint's function.
6. A sense of instability or weakness
Some patients describe the joint as feeling unreliable. This may manifest as hesitation during certain movements or a lack of confidence when loading the joint. It is not always painful, but it is an important early indicator.
Since arthritis is a progressive condition, it develops over time rather than appearing suddenly. But when early signs are ignored, joints typically become more sensitive and restricted. This often leads to compensatory strain in other areas, increasing the risk of further injury. It is therefore important to address the issue early to preserve joint function and allow for better long-term management.
It is worth having your joint assessed if you notice one or more of the following:
At Hein Viljoen Physiotherapy, we focus not only on managing the patient's pain but also on improving joint function. This typically involves:
Joints rarely deteriorate without warning. In most cases, there is a period where symptoms are mild and inconsistent. Recognising these early signs and responding to them appropriately can make a meaningful difference to how your joints function over time.
You don’t have to live with joint pain every day. Book a session with one of our Cape Town physiotherapists.
