10 minute consultation: Polyarthralgia

What issues you should cover

Assessment--Is her joint pain simple arthralgia, degenerative joint disease, or an inflammatory arthropathy, or is it secondary to some other cause?

History--Ask whether she has had any swelling around the joints, morning stiffness, nocturnal pain or pain at rest, or recent viral or throat infection. Check for systemic features such as fever, weight loss, or fatigue. She may have bowel or bladder symptoms, and her eyes or skin may be affected. Is there a family history of rheumatoid arthritis? Other features may be prolonged repetitive use of hands; mood changes, altered sleep pattern, or lack of energy; and use of …