Aust Prescr
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Aust Prescr
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Inflammatory arthritis may be the principal feature or one component of an inflammatory rheumatological disease. It is a clinical diagnosis, principally made based on the patient's history and examination. ⋯ While musculoskeletal symptoms are a common presentation in general practice, specific features that increase suspicion of an inflammatory arthritis include prolonged morning stiffness (more than 1 hour) that is improved by exercise or movement. A broad 'rheumatological panel' increases the likelihood of false positive results and should be avoided to prevent unnecessary further investigations and treatment, and unwarranted anxiety in both the patient and the doctor.