Arthritis

Types of arthritis

There are lots of types of arthritis. Do not self-diagnose - see a GP if you're worried.

Other types of arthritis

Conditions and types of arthritis (Arthritis UK)

Symptoms of arthritis

Arthritis causes pain, swelling and stiffness in your joints. This can make moving the joint difficult.

You can get arthritis in any joint, but joints commonly affected include those in your:

wrists, hands and fingers
ankles, feet and toes
back and spine
knees and hips

Your symptoms may sometimes suddenly get worse. This is known as a "flare-up" and can last several days.

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

you have severe pain and swelling in just 1 joint that started suddenly
your pain does not get better with painkillers, such as paracetamol
the skin around your joint is red or hot (redness may be harder to see on brown and black skin)
you have sore joints with a high or low temperature, or you feel hot, cold or shivery
you have sore joints and conjunctivitis, or sore eyes and problems with your vision
you have sore joints and pain when you pee, discharge from your penis or vagina, or a rash or sores on your genitals

Call 111 or get help from 111 online.

See a GP if:

you have unexplained pain, swelling or stiffness in your joints that does not go away in a few days

Refer yourself for back or joint help

In many areas you may be able to get help, such as physiotherapy, from NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services without needing a referral from a GP.

Get NHS help for back or joint problems

Tests for arthritis

A healthcare professional will ask you about your symptoms and medical history and check your joints.

You may be referred to a specialist (rheumatologist) if they think you might have rheumatoid arthritis or gout.

Tests you may have include:

blood tests
an X-ray or ultrasound scan
a sample of fluid taken from one of your joints using a thin needle (to help confirm gout)

Find out more

Guide to diagnosis (Arthritis UK)

Treatment for arthritis

There's currently no cure for arthritis but there are treatments that can help you manage your symptoms.

Treatment will depend on the type of arthritis you have and how it's affecting you. You'll be under the care of a healthcare professional while having treatment.

Treatments for arthritis include:

physiotherapy to help improve your strength and mobility
occupational therapy to help with everyday tasks, such as washing, dressing and cooking
medicines to help relieve symptoms, such as pain, swelling and inflammation, or reduce the activity of your immune system
equipment to help with daily activities, such as walking aids, wheelchairs and mobility scooters
complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, the Alexander technique and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
surgery if your symptoms are severe and other treatments have not helped

A team of healthcare professionals will give you the help and support you need.

Speak to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns about your treatment and managing your condition, or if you have any new symptoms.

Find out more

Arthritis treatments (Arthritis UK)

Things you can do to help ease the symptoms of arthritis

There are some things you can do to help ease the symptoms of arthritis.

Do

exercise regularly - low impact activities are best, such as swimming, walking, pilates and yoga
eat a healthy, balanced diet
keep to a healthy weight - being overweight can put strain on your joints

Don't

do not smoke because it can make your symptoms worse
do not drink too much alcohol

Find out more

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