person experiencing chronic wrist pain

Online arthritis diagnosis.

Noticed inflamed or swollen joints? It could be time to connect with an online doctor.

Access the answers and health care you need, when you need it at Tia Health.

Book now
person experiencing chronic wrist pain

Online arthritis diagnosis.

Noticed inflamed or swollen joints? It could be time to connect with an online doctor.

Access the answers and health care you need, when you need it at Tia Health.

Book now

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is an inflammation in one or multiple joints in the body. There are many different types of arthritis that have different causes and treatment options. A common cause is a decrease of the amount of cartilage tissue in the joints. The cartilage exists to protect the joints by absorbing shock and pressure from moving, so the loss of cartilage can cause painful side effects. Three of the most common types are osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

What is arthritis?

Arthritis is an inflammation in one or multiple joints in the body. There are many different types of arthritis that have different causes and treatment options. A common cause is a decrease of the amount of cartilage tissue in the joints. The cartilage exists to protect the joints by absorbing shock and pressure from moving, so the loss of cartilage can cause painful side effects. Three of the most common types are osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

woman experiencing chronic knee pain

An arthritis diagnosis is likely if you are experiencing more than one of these symptoms and you should visit your doctor:

  • Joint pain and stiffness

  • Swelling

  • Redness

  • Reduced range of motion in the joint

What is osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is the deterioration of the protective cartilage in the joints that results in irreparable damage, as bone will start to run on bone. It is the most common form of arthritis and most often occurs in the hands, knees, hips and spine.

Osteoarthritis is characterized by the following symptoms:

  • Joint pain, tenderness, swelling, or stiffness
  • Decreased joint motion
  • Grating sensations when using the joint

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder, that is caused by the body attacking its own tissues. This impacts the lining of the joints, resulting in painful swelling, bone erosion, and joint deformity. Rheumatoid arthritis can occur in areas of the body other than the joints, such as the eyes, lungs, heart, and skin.

It can cause physical disabilities, so you should see a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Warm, swollen joints
  • Joint stiffness
  • Persistent discomfort in the joints
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite

What is psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic condition often found in individuals who suffer with psoriasis. It is caused by the body’s immune system attacking healthy cells and tissue. Experts believe it is linked to family history and that it can also be triggered by physical or environmental traumas.

It can be disabling without treatment, so you should see a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Swelling, stiffness and pain in the joints
  • Lower back pain
  • Foot pain
  • Swelling in the fingers and toes

Are certain people more at risk of getting an arthritis diagnosis?

Yes, risk of arthritis is higher for the following individuals:

  • Seniors
  • Females
  • Those who are obese or overweight
  • Those who smoke
  • People born with HLA (human leukocyte antigen) genes

How can I prevent arthritis?

The following practices can help to prevent arthritis, including:

  • Maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle
  • Not smoking
  • Eating a healthy diet that contains lots of antioxidants and inflammation-reducing foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, and nuts

When should I see a doctor to help with an online arthritis diagnosis?

If you are experiencing prolonged pain and swelling in the joints, then it is time to see a doctor. An online physician can assess your symptoms and if necessary, they may prescribe medication. You can have your prescription delivered for free or sent to a pharmacy of your choice for pick-up.

Is arthritis serious?

Unfortunately, arthritis is serious and once progressed can prevent an individual from being able to complete standard daily tasks. Someone with arthritis can experience pain and discomfort from walking, or even sitting up straight and may find it difficult to work productively or sleep pain-free.

How common is arthritis?

It is very common. In Canada alone, six million individuals have an arthritis diagnosis.

What treatments are available for arthritis?

There is no cure for arthritis, so the main aim of treatment is to improve quality of life for individuals by reducing the side effects and symptoms of the condition. Treatments can include:

  • Medications, such as analgesics for pain management, anti-inflammatory drugs, or creams that block pain signal transmissions from the joints
  • Joint replacement surgery
  • Physical therapies to strengthen the impacted areas

How do I prepare for my online arthritis appointment?

To ensure the physician can provide an accurate arthritis medication prescription during your appointment, you can help by noting down any concerns and answers in advance, along with any allergies they should be aware of.

What will my online arthritis appointment be like?

Appointments usually take between five to thirty minutes depending on the individual need. The online doctor will ask for a description of your symptoms. This will allow them to determine the best course of treatment. If necessary, they may recommend a follow-up appointment or a visit to a physical clinic.

How booking works.

“How do I connect with an online doctor about arthritis?”

Our virtual clinic is designed to provide you with secure, trusted and easy access to the advice and care you need when you need it.

Here is how to book an appointment:

Here is how to book an appointment:

Skip the waiting room and book a virtual clinic appointment instead

Step 1

Select which doctor you would like to see and whether you prefer a phone or video call. We have a variety of male and female doctors available to help you in a number of languages.

Step 2

Attend your virtual appointment from the comfort of your own home using your chosen method of communication. We do not require you to download any apps or programs.

Step 3

Receive guidance and arthritis treatment recommendations from the medical specialist. The doctor can share any necessary prescriptions with your chosen pharmacy, and you can opt to have medication delivered to your home for free or can collect in-person if preferred.

Book now

Have a question?

Services

Tia Health doctors' prescriptions are legitimate and are accepted by pharmacies. You can have your prescription delivered for free or sent to a pharmacy of your choice for pick-up.
Yes. Our telehealth platform connects you to a fully licensed Canadian physician. Just like an in-person visit, with telehealth, the doctor is responsible for understanding your case, medical history, and determining the appropriate treatment. If the doctor is not able to help you through telehealth, they may advise that you visit a clinic or hospital in-person.
Your privacy is our top priority, we use bank-level encryption and store data securely in Canada.
Click on the Book Now button to get started. You will then be prompted to select the type of consultation (video or phone), who the appointment is for (you or someone else), and which provider you would like to speak with. Lastly, you will be prompted to sign-up or login to confirm your appointment.
Yes! All Tia Health doctors are Canadian licensed physicians. You can verify the status of their license and view their credentials on the College of Physicians website for the province they are licensed. The city and province in which the physician practices is listed on their Tia Health profile which you will see while navigating the booking process.
Yes, we have a variety of doctors, male and female, doctors who speak different languages, and with different specialties.
If you have a family doctor working on the Tia Health platform, they may have telehealth availability. If not, check back soon as we are adding physicians weekly.

Pricing

Telehealth services are covered by the provincial health plans in British Columbia (MSP), Alberta (AHCIP), and Ontario (OHIP) but not currently in other provinces (check back soon as this is changing). Patients with valid coverage in these provinces will not be charged for their telehealth service. Patients in other provinces will receive a receipt that may be reimbursed through a health spending account or other extended/private insurance.
Through our partnership with Focus Mental Wellness, you can talk to a licensed and compassionate therapist via phone, video, or text. Focus therapy services don't require a doctor's referral and are covered by most extended health benefits. Sessions are usually available within a few days, and depending on your selected therapist's availability, same-day sessions are offered.
We accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and other online payment enabled cards.
Telehealth services are covered by the provincial health plans in British Columbia (MSP), Alberta (AHCIP), and Ontario (OHIP) but not currently in other provinces (check back soon as this is changing). Patients with valid coverage in these provinces will not be charged for their telehealth service. Patients in other provinces will receive a receipt that may be reimbursed through a health spending account or other extended/private insurance. If no coverage is available to you, then appointment pricing ranges depending on the appointment type you select. There are no time-based fees or additional fees if an appointment lasts longer than expected.
Get the best care from anywhere

Get the best care from anywhere!

Tia Health is focused on modernizing and digitizing healthcare. Our mission is to positively impact health outcomes by leveraging technology to empower patients and doctors.

Book now

Get the best care from anywhere!

Tia Health is focused on modernizing and digitizing healthcare. Our mission is to positively impact health outcomes by leveraging technology to empower patients and doctors.

This page is intended for informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.