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Pain, stiffness, or swelling in one or more joints. Can be caused by injury, overuse, arthritis, infection, or autoimmune conditions.
There are several possible causes. Here are the most common ones:
Wear-and-tear arthritis, increases with age.
You might suspect this if you have:
Strain, sprain, or repetitive use.
You might suspect this if you have:
Sudden, severe joint inflammation from uric acid.
You might suspect this if you have:
Autoimmune joint inflammation.
You might suspect this if you have:
Many viruses cause temporary joint pain.
You might suspect this if you have:
Important: This information is for general guidance only and should not be used to self-diagnose. A doctor can properly assess your symptoms and provide appropriate advice.
Call 000 or go to Emergency immediately
Joint pain is one of the broadest symptom categories in medicine, and the approach depends on whether it is one joint or many, acute or chronic, and inflammatory or mechanical. A single hot, red, swollen joint with fever is septic arthritis until proven otherwise — this is a medical emergency requiring urgent in-person assessment and joint aspiration. In contrast, gradual knee stiffness in a 55-year-old is almost certainly osteoarthritis and can be managed with exercise and weight management. The key features I assess remotely are: which joints, how many, morning stiffness duration (more than 30 minutes suggests inflammatory arthritis), and associated symptoms (fever, rash, eye inflammation). This allows me to triage effectively between conditions that need urgent attention and those that can be managed conservatively.
Medical certificate guidance: Joint pain affecting weight-bearing joints (knees, hips, ankles) or hands can prevent physical work and desk work respectively. Gout attacks are among the most painful conditions and typically warrant 3-5 days off.
All clinical decisions are made by AHPRA-registered doctors following our clinical governance framework. We never automate clinical decisions.
Yes. Joint pain — particularly in weight-bearing joints or hands — can significantly affect your ability to work. A certificate is appropriate, especially for physical roles.
See a doctor if pain persists beyond 2 weeks, if the joint is swollen/hot/red, if multiple joints are affected, or if you have morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes (possible inflammatory arthritis).
Ice for acute pain and swelling (first 48 hours of a new injury). Heat for chronic stiffness and muscle tension. Many people benefit from alternating both.
If your symptoms are keeping you from work or study, you can request a medical certificate through InstantMed. A doctor will review your symptoms and issue a certificate if clinically appropriate — typically for 1 to 3 days depending on severity. You don't need to be dramatically unwell; feeling genuinely too rough to function is reason enough.
Yes. Australian-registered doctors can assess your symptoms and issue valid medical certificates via telehealth. You fill in a detailed health questionnaire, a doctor reviews it, and if appropriate, your certificate is delivered digitally. No waiting room required.
You complete a structured health questionnaire covering your symptoms, duration, severity, and relevant medical history. The reviewing doctor uses this information — the same clinical reasoning they'd apply in a face-to-face consult — to determine whether a certificate, advice, or referral is appropriate.
A medical certificate covers the period stated on the document. If your symptoms worsen or don't improve as expected, you should see a GP in person or visit your nearest emergency department if it's urgent. Your certificate doesn't replace ongoing care — it's a point-in-time clinical assessment.
In some cases, yes. If a doctor reviewing your request determines that a common, non-restricted treatment is appropriate, they may issue a prescription as part of a consultation. Not all symptoms require or qualify for a prescription — the doctor will advise you on next steps.
Medical certificates are typically issued in under 30 minutes, available 24/7. Other requests are reviewed within 1–2 hours during operating hours (8am–10pm AEST, 7 days). You'll receive an email notification once your request has been reviewed.
If your symptoms suggest something that requires a physical examination, diagnostic tests, or specialist referral, the doctor will let you know and recommend appropriate next steps. Your safety is the priority — telehealth is a great option for many things, but it's not a replacement for hands-on assessment when that's what's needed.
No Medicare card is required for medical certificates. If you're requesting a prescription or consultation, a valid Medicare card is needed. Our service is private and does not attract a Medicare rebate, though any prescriptions issued can still attract PBS subsidies at the pharmacy.
Our Australian-registered doctors can assess your symptoms and provide advice, treatment, or medical certificates if needed.
Get assessedThis information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your health. Content on this page has been reviewed by AHPRA-registered Australian doctors but does not replace a personalised medical consultation.