Seek care urgently if you have any of these
- A single hot, very painful joint with fever
- Inability to bear weight
- Rapid swelling after injury
- Morning stiffness lasting more than an hour
- Joint pain with a rash
- Unintended weight loss alongside
If any of the above applies, do not wait for an appointment — go to the nearest emergency department.
Not sure how serious it is?
Answer three quick questions. We will open WhatsApp with your answers written out, so you do not have to explain twice.
Which joints?
How did it start?
Anything else?
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What usually causes this
Gout
Sudden, severe pain usually in the big toe or ankle, often overnight. Uric acid testing confirms.
Osteoarthritis
Gradual, worse with use, typically knees and hips in older adults.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Symmetrical small joint pain with morning stiffness lasting over an hour.
Injury
Recent trauma, with swelling developing over hours.
Septic arthritis
A hot, very painful joint with fever — a medical emergency.
What we would check
Full Blood CountScreens for infection and inflammation Knee or Joint UltrasoundAssesses fluid, soft tissue and inflammation Doctor's AssessmentExamination to establish the pattern and urgencyOther symptoms people ask about
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. It cannot replace being examined. All visits to Mascot Healthcare are by appointment — Mon–Sat, 9AM–5PM, 52 Sholanke Street, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos.