Psychosomatics of arthritis and joint pain
Arthritis is a disease of the joints: pain, swelling and stiffness that make it hard to move. There are many types, the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and they are treated differently. If pain and swelling do not go away within a few days, see a GP and do not diagnose yourself. The Ladder method adds questions about what you carry and where you feel "not good enough".
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When to see a doctor
Start with a GP: they will ask about your symptoms, examine your joints and order tests. If rheumatoid arthritis or gout is suspected, you will be referred to a rheumatologist. The NHS advises seeing a doctor if joint pain, swelling or stiffness does not go away in a few days.
In the Ladder method
In the Ladder method arthritis is not explained by "a rigid character" or "resentment at your husband", and it is not your fault that your joints hurt. It has clear causes: wear of the joint, autoimmune processes, metabolism, age. But pain and stress affect each other, so questions for yourself make sense here.
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In the book "Psyche, Brain, Body" joints are linked with self-worth: each joint has its own image, for example "I cannot cope with this task" or "I am not good enough in this role". This is an image, not a cause of the illness, and it does not replace a rheumatologist.
On the ladder this shows up as steps like "I must manage everything" and "I have to bear the pain so as not to let anyone down". You can work through them while a doctor chooses treatment.
These are questions for reflection, not an explanation of what causes the condition and not a treatment.
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How it shows up
Book a doctor’s appointment if you notice:
- Pain in one or several joints
- Swelling and stiffness, especially in the morning
- Difficulty moving a joint or making a fist
- Redness and heat over a joint
- Tiredness and weakness
- Periods of flare-ups and improvement
What medicine knows
Arthritis causes pain, swelling and stiffness in one or more joints, which makes moving hard. It can affect any joint, most often wrists, fingers, ankles, feet, spine, knees and hips. Symptoms can suddenly get worse for a few days (a flare-up) (NHS).
There are many types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis more often affects weight-bearing joints such as the knees and usually starts after 40. Rheumatoid arthritis often starts in the small joints of the hands and feet and is more often diagnosed at 40 to 60 (NHS). It is an autoimmune disease, and women get it more often than men (MedlinePlus). Gout usually hits the joint of the big toe. That is why you should not guess your type yourself.
A doctor makes the diagnosis from your story, an examination, blood tests, X-ray or ultrasound. Arthritis cannot be fully cured yet, but treatment helps manage symptoms. This means physiotherapy, medicines for pain and inflammation, and in rheumatoid arthritis medicines that reduce the activity of the immune system, the earlier the better. Regular gentle movement (swimming, walking, pilates, yoga), a healthy weight and not smoking help.
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Frequently asked questions
Can arthritis come from stress?
Doctors know the causes of arthritis: wear of the joint, autoimmune processes, metabolism, age. Stress is not considered the only cause, but pain and worry affect each other. A doctor chooses treatment, and work with stress goes alongside it.
What does arthritis mean in psychosomatics?
There is no proven "meaning" of arthritis. In the Ladder method the joints are a reason to ask yourself what you feel "not good enough" at and what you carry on your own. It is a question for yourself, not a diagnosis.
When should I see a doctor urgently for joint pain?
The NHS advises urgent help if severe pain and swelling in one joint start suddenly, the skin is red or hot, painkillers do not help, or you have a temperature. If pain and stiffness last a few days, book a GP.
Related topics
Psychosomatics does not replace tests and treatment. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.