Arthritis

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

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.

• 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

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)

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.

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

• 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

• do not smoke because it can make your symptoms worse

• do not drink too much alcohol

There are many different types of arthritis, but the main types include osteoarthritis, gout, rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

The main symptoms of arthritis are pain, swelling and stiffness in your joints, which can make it difficult to move the affected joints.

Tests for arthritis can include blood tests, an X-ray or an ultrasound scan. A fluid sample is often taken from a joint to help diagnose gout.

Treatments for arthritis include physiotherapy, occupational therapy and medicines. You may need surgery if other treatments have not helped.

Things you can do to ease the symptoms of arthritis include exercising regularly, eating a healthy, balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight.