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Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in one or more joints. It can make moving the affected joints difficult.

Types of arthritis

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

Common types of arthritis and how they affect you
Type How it affects you

Osteoarthritis

Often affects weight-bearing joints, such as the knees and feet. The most common type of arthritis and usually starts in the late 40s.

Gout

Often affects the big toe joint, which can be painful, swollen and hot. Your chances of getting gout increase as you get older.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Usually first felt in the small joints in your hands and feet. Often diagnosed between the ages of 40 to 60.

Ankylosing spondylitis

Often causes lower back pain and stiffness that lasts longer than common backache. Usually begins under the age of 40.

Psoriatic arthritis

As well as joint pain, swelling and stiffness, you may also have a red, scaly rash called psoriasis.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)

Affects children under the age of 16. There are several types of JIA with some types milder than others.
Information:

Other types of arthritis

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.

Urgent advice: 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.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

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

Other ways to get help

You may be able to refer yourself for help and treatment, 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:

Information:

Find out more

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:

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.

Information:

Find out more

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

Don’t

  • do not smoke because it can make your symptoms worse

  • do not drink too much alcohol

Information:

Find out more

Page last reviewed: 19 January 2026
Next review due: 19 January 2029