Skip to main content

Joint pain

Joint pain is common, especially as you get older. There are things you can do to ease the pain, but get medical help if it's very painful or it does not get better.

Types of joint pain

Common types of joint pain include:

You might feel pain in one joint, or more than one joint at the same time, such as your knees and hips.

There are many possible causes of joint pain. It might be caused by an injury or a longer-lasting problem such as arthritis.

Do not self-diagnose, see a GP if you're worried.

Causes of joint pain

Pain, swelling or bruising after intense or repetitive exercise

Sprain or strain

Pain that's worse when walking and stiffness after activity (usually over the age of 45)

Osteoarthritis

Warm, swollen joint that's more painful when you move it or press on it

Bursitis

Pain and stiffness felt in both sides of your body that's worse after not moving (for example, when you wake up)

Rheumatoid arthritis

Hot, swollen toe joint (usually the big toe) with very bad pain that comes on suddenly, often overnight

Gout

Hot, swollen joint that's difficult to move and a high temperature, or feeling hot or cold and shivery

Joint infection (septic arthritis)

Perimenopause and menopause can cause aching and painful joints due to lowered levels of oestrogen.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

  • joint pain is stopping you doing normal activities or affecting your sleep
  • the pain or swelling is getting worse or keeps coming back
  • the pain has not improved after treating it at home for 2 weeks
  • your joints are stiff for more than 30 minutes after waking up
  • your child has joint problems

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

  • you have joint pain and the skin around it is swollen and feels hot
  • you have joint pain and feel generally unwell, have a high temperature or feel hot, cold or shivery

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Immediate action required: Go to A&E or call 999 if:

  • you have very bad joint pain after a fall or injury
  • you're unable to walk or put weight on a joint
  • your joint has moved out of place
  • you have any tingling or you have no feeling in the area around the joint after an injury

How you can ease joint pain

There are some things you can do to ease joint pain.

Do

  • try to rest the affected joint if you can

  • put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a towel on the painful area for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours

  • speak to a pharmacist or GP about which painkiller to take for your joint pain

  • try to lose weight if you're overweight

  • eat a healthy, balanced diet and exercise regularly

Don’t

  • do not completely stop moving the affected joint

  • do not smoke

Treatments for joint pain

Treatment for joint pain depends on what's causing it. Sometimes the pain may go away without treatment.

A GP may:

  • prescribe stronger painkillers
  • prescribe antibiotics if they think you have an infection
  • refer you for physiotherapy
  • refer you to a hospital for an X-ray or scan or specialist treatment, for example steroid injections or surgery
  • advise you about making lifestyle changes, such as doing more exercise
Information:

Self-refer for treatment

If you have joint pain, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services for help with your condition without seeing a GP. These may include musculoskeletal and physiotherapy services.

To find out if there are any services in your area:

  • ask the reception staff at your GP surgery
  • check your GP surgery's website
  • contact your integrated care board (ICB) – find your local ICB
  • search online for NHS treatment for joint pain near you

Page last reviewed: 26 February 2026
Next review due: 26 February 2029