Quick answer: Check red flags first. Call 999 for severe pain after injury, a joint out of place, or back pain with numbness in both legs or bladder or bowel changes. Get same-day help from your GP or NHS 111 for a hot, swollen joint or joint pain with fever. See a GP for swelling that does not settle, stiffness over 30 minutes after waking, or pain not improving after 2 weeks.
Checked on 11 October 2026 against NHS pages on joint pain, back pain, septic arthritis, gout and temporal arteritis, and NICE guideline NG100 on rheumatoid arthritis. This page is not a symptom checker, does not use artificial intelligence and cannot diagnose you. It points you to the right kind of help.
Joint pain is common, and there are many possible causes, from a strain after exercise to osteoarthritis, gout, an inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, or, rarely, an infection. The NHS is clear: do not try to diagnose yourself. What you can do is recognise which symptoms need urgent help, which need a GP appointment, and which you can usually manage at home with advice from a pharmacist.
This guide gives you a simple table to work through, explains what different patterns of symptoms might mean, and tells you what to do next. It works on paper as well as on screen.
Check for red flags first
Before anything else, check whether you need emergency or urgent help. The NHS lists these warning signs.
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- you have very bad joint pain after a fall or injury
- you cannot walk or put weight on a joint
- a joint has moved out of place
- you have tingling or no feeling around a joint after an injury
- you have back pain with pain, tingling, weakness or numbness in both legs
- you have back pain with loss of feeling around your genitals or bottom, or changes in your bladder or bowels, such as difficulty peeing or wetting or soiling yourself
- you have back pain with chest pain, or after a serious accident
The NHS advises not driving yourself to A&E with these back pain symptoms. Ask someone to drive you or call 999.
Get an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if:
- a joint is swollen and the skin around it feels hot
- you have joint pain and feel generally unwell, have a high temperature, or feel hot, cold or shivery, which can be a sign of a joint infection (septic arthritis)
- you have sudden pain and swelling in a joint that is getting worse, especially with a fever or feeling sick
- you have a new headache, tenderness at your temples, jaw pain when eating or talking, or vision problems, especially if you are over 50 or have polymyalgia rheumatica. These can be signs of temporal arteritis (giant cell arteritis), which the NHS says can lead to stroke or blindness if not treated quickly
- you have back pain with feeling hot, cold, shivery or generally unwell, or severe pain that starts suddenly or gets worse quickly
If you take medicines that weaken your immune system, such as methotrexate, biologics or steroids, take signs of infection seriously and follow the advice your team gave you.
What to do next: a simple table
Find the row that best matches your situation. If more than one row fits, follow the most urgent. This table only signposts. It does not tell you what condition you have.
| If you have… | What to do | How soon |
|---|---|---|
| Any of the 999 red flags above, such as severe pain after an injury, a joint out of place, or back pain with numbness in both legs or bladder or bowel changes | 999 or A&E | Now |
| A hot, swollen joint, or joint pain with a fever or feeling shivery or unwell | Urgent GP appointment or NHS 111 (NHS 24 on 111 in Scotland; GP out-of-hours in Northern Ireland) | Same day |
| A new headache, scalp or temple tenderness, jaw pain when chewing, or sight changes | Urgent GP appointment or NHS 111 | Same day |
| Sudden, very painful, hot, swollen joint (often the big toe) without fever, possibly gout | GP if it is the first time or usual treatment is not helping; urgent help if it is getting worse or you have a fever | Within days, or same day if worse |
| Swelling in more than one joint, or in the small joints of the hands or feet, that has not settled | GP, and mention the swelling clearly. NICE says these features need urgent referral to a specialist | Book promptly, within days |
| Stiffness for more than 30 minutes after waking, or pain and stiffness that improve with movement but not rest | GP | Within a week or two |
| Pain and stiffness in both shoulders or hips lasting more than a week, especially if you are over 50 | GP (and urgent help if you also have headache, jaw or vision symptoms) | Within a week |
| Joint pain stopping you doing normal activities or affecting your sleep, getting worse or keeping coming back | GP, or self-refer to an NHS community MSK or physiotherapy service where available | Within a couple of weeks |
| Joint pain that has not improved after 2 weeks of looking after it at home | GP or MSK self-referral | When convenient, within a few weeks |
| Pain, swelling or bruising after exercise or a minor strain, and you can still walk and use the joint | Self-care, and ask a pharmacist about suitable painkillers | Review after 2 weeks |
| Known arthritis, usual flare pattern, no red flags | Follow your flare plan; contact your specialist team's advice line if it does not settle | As your plan says |
The 2-week, 30-minute and 1-week time points come from NHS pages on joint pain and polymyalgia rheumatica. NICE guideline NG100 says adults with suspected persistent joint swelling of unknown cause should be referred to a specialist, and urgently if the small joints of the hands or feet are affected, more than one joint is affected, or there has been a delay of 3 months or more before seeking advice.
What could it be? Common patterns
The NHS describes some typical patterns. These are clues for a conversation with a professional, not a diagnosis. Many conditions overlap, and you can have more than one.
Pain worse with use, short morning stiffness
Pain that is worse when walking or after activity, with stiffness after rest that usually wears off within about 30 minutes, is typical of osteoarthritis, especially over the age of 45. Joints may look slightly knobbly, creak or crunch, and lose some movement. See our guide to osteoarthritis symptoms.
Pain, swelling and long morning stiffness on both sides
Throbbing, aching pain and stiffness in joints on both sides of the body, often the small joints of the hands and feet, that is worse in the morning or after rest and lasts longer than 30 minutes, can be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis. You may also feel tired or generally unwell. See our guide to early signs of rheumatoid arthritis.
Sudden, severe pain in one joint
A hot, swollen joint with very bad pain that comes on suddenly, often overnight and often in the big toe, is typical of gout. Read about the early signs of gout. A hot, swollen joint with a fever could be an infection, which is an emergency.
Back pain and stiffness that improves with exercise
Back pain and stiffness that gets better with exercise, does not improve or gets worse with rest, is worse in the morning and at night, and starts in early adulthood (usually between 18 and 40) can be a sign of ankylosing spondylitis (axial spondyloarthritis).
Joint pain with skin or nail changes
Pain, swelling and stiffness with swollen fingers or toes, or nail pitting or colour changes, can be psoriatic arthritis. The NHS says to see a GP even if you do not have psoriasis.
Shoulder and hip girdle pain over 50
Pain and stiffness in the shoulders, neck and hips, worse in the morning, in someone over 50, can be polymyalgia rheumatica. Because it is linked with temporal arteritis, watch for headache, jaw pain or vision changes. Our guide to giant cell arteritis warning signs explains more.
A warm, swollen area over a joint
A warm, swollen area that is more painful when you move it or press on it can be bursitis.
Aching joints around the menopause
The NHS notes that perimenopause and menopause can cause aching and painful joints because of lower oestrogen levels. A GP can talk through options.
Looking after joint pain at home
If there are no red flags and your symptoms are mild, the NHS suggests you:
- rest the joint if you can, but do not stop moving it completely
- use an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
- speak to a pharmacist or GP about which painkiller is suitable for you
- eat a healthy, balanced diet, exercise regularly, and try to lose weight if you are overweight
- do not smoke
See a GP if things are not improving after 2 weeks.
How a pharmacist can help
A pharmacist can advise on painkillers and gels, check whether a medicine is safe with your other medicines and conditions, and tell you whether you need to see a GP. Tell them about any other medicines you take, kidney or stomach problems, heart conditions, asthma or pregnancy. Pharmacists can also spot symptoms that need a doctor and direct you there.
Physiotherapy without a GP referral
In many areas, you can refer yourself to an NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) or physiotherapy service without seeing a GP. Search for local services on the NHS website, or ask at your GP practice. This can be a good route for joint pain that is not urgent but is affecting your daily life.
Getting ready for your appointment
A clear description helps a GP or physiotherapist decide on the next steps. Before your appointment, note down:
- which joints are affected, and whether it is one side or both
- when it started and whether it came on suddenly or gradually
- whether there is swelling, warmth or redness
- how long stiffness lasts in the morning
- whether movement makes it better or worse
- any other symptoms, such as fever, tiredness, weight loss, rashes, nail changes, eye problems or bowel changes
- what you have tried and whether it helped
- any family history of arthritis or psoriasis
- how it affects your work, sleep and daily life
Photos of swollen joints can help if the swelling comes and goes. Our newly diagnosed guide explains what happens if you are diagnosed with arthritis.
What might happen next
Your GP will ask about your symptoms and examine you. Depending on what they find, they may suggest self-care and exercise, a painkiller, physiotherapy, blood tests, an X-ray or scan, or a referral to a specialist such as a rheumatologist or orthopaedic surgeon. Osteoarthritis is often diagnosed from symptoms and an examination without needing an X-ray. If inflammatory arthritis is suspected, NICE says tests should not delay a referral to a specialist.
Differences across the UK
- England: NHS 111 by phone or online.
- Scotland: NHS 24 on 111, and NHS inform for self-help guides.
- Wales: NHS 111 Wales by phone or online.
- Northern Ireland: contact your GP practice or GP out-of-hours service for urgent advice when your surgery is closed. Call 999 in an emergency.
Prefer an interactive tool?
Our symptom checker asks about red flags and the joints affected, then suggests educational guides to read. Like this page, it does not diagnose you and does not replace a GP, pharmacist or NHS 111.
When to get medical help
Use the red flags and table above. In short: call 999 for severe injury, a joint out of place, or back pain with numbness in both legs or bladder or bowel changes. Get same-day help from your GP or NHS 111 for a hot, swollen joint, joint pain with a fever, or new headache with jaw or vision problems. See your GP for swelling that does not settle, long morning stiffness, or pain that is not improving after 2 weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Can I find out what type of arthritis I have online?
No. Online information can help you understand symptoms and know where to get help, but only a healthcare professional can examine you and arrange the right tests.
Is a hot, swollen joint an emergency?
It needs urgent help the same day. Ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111, especially if you feel unwell or have a fever, as it could be an infection.
How long should morning stiffness last before I see a GP?
The NHS says to see a GP if your joints are stiff for more than 30 minutes after waking up.
Do I need an X-ray to find out if I have arthritis?
Not always. Osteoarthritis is often diagnosed from symptoms and an examination. Your GP will decide whether tests are needed.
Can I see a physiotherapist without a GP referral?
In many areas of England you can refer yourself to an NHS community MSK or physiotherapy service. Check what is available locally.
Is this page an AI symptom checker?
No. It is a written guide based on NHS and NICE information. It does not use artificial intelligence and does not diagnose.
What should I do if I already have arthritis and my symptoms change?
Follow your flare plan if it is your usual pattern. Contact your GP or specialist team if symptoms are different, not settling, or you have any red flags.
Sources and further reading
- NHS: Joint pain
- NHS: Back pain
- NHS: Septic arthritis
- NHS: Gout
- NHS: Temporal arteritis
- NHS: Polymyalgia rheumatica
- NHS: Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms
- NHS: Osteoarthritis symptoms
- NHS: Ankylosing spondylitis symptoms
- NHS: Psoriatic arthritis
- NICE NG100: Rheumatoid arthritis in adults
Educational information for people in the United Kingdom, not personal medical, legal or financial advice. NHS processes, rules and prices change, so check the linked official sources and speak to your GP, specialist team or pharmacist about your own situation. Charity no. 1218461. Pending clinical review. If you feel very unwell, call 999 or go to A&E. For urgent advice, contact NHS 111.
Continue with related help
- Hip arthritis symptoms — hip pain
- Early arthritis action — why acting early matters
- Arthritis flare-ups — managing flares
- Thumb base pain — early hand arthritis
- Arthritis Red Flag Symptoms You Should Never Ignore (UK) — red flag symptoms in detail
- How NHS Referrals Work for Arthritis: From GP to Specialist — how NHS referrals work
- Arthritis Blood Tests Explained: CRP, ESR, Rheumatoid Factor, Anti-CCP and More — blood tests explained