Last reviewed 11 July 2026
What is arthritis and how is it treated?
Arthritis describes over 100 conditions that affect the joints — causing pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced movement. Osteoarthritis (wear-related) and rheumatoid arthritis (inflammatory) are the most common forms in the UK. Effective management combines targeted exercise, weight optimisation, an anti-inflammatory diet, medical treatment for pain and inflammation, and — when needed — specialist rheumatology care, injections or joint replacement surgery. Early diagnosis and a structured care plan dramatically improve long-term outcomes.Medically reviewed by Maxwell
First Contact Practitioner • HCPC PH128483 • Last updated June 2026
Reviewer details and the site's clinical review process are documented in our editorial standards.
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is not a single disease — it is a broad term covering more than 100 joint conditions. The two most common are osteoarthritis, where joint cartilage gradually wears down, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the joint lining.
More than 10 million people in the UK live with arthritis. It is the leading cause of pain and disability and affects people of every age — including children with juvenile arthritis.
What are the symptoms of arthritis?
- Joint pain that worsens with activity or after rest
- Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
- Swelling, warmth or redness around a joint
- Reduced range of movement
- Grating, popping or clicking sounds (crepitus)
- Fatigue and low-grade fever (inflammatory types)
How is arthritis diagnosed?
A GP or first-contact practitioner will take a detailed history, examine your joints and check for swelling or restricted movement. Blood tests (CRP, ESR, rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP, uric acid) and imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, MRI) help identify the type and severity of arthritis and rule out other causes.
What do arthritis patients commonly look for?
People newly diagnosed — and those managing arthritis long-term — typically search for help in four areas:
- Pain relief options: topical and oral anti-inflammatories, heat and cold therapy, compression supports, splints and pain-relief gels.
- Diagnostics: faster access to imaging and rheumatology assessment, sometimes via private clinics.
- Specialist care: physiotherapy, rheumatology, podiatry and occupational therapy.
- Supplements & nutrition: glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen, omega-3, turmeric and an anti-inflammatory eating pattern.
This is educational information only — we don't endorse specific brands or products. Always speak to a clinician before starting a new treatment, supplement or device.
What are the evidence-based treatment options for arthritis?
- Exercise: progressive strength, mobility and aerobic training reduce pain and improve function — see our exercise guide.
- Weight management: a 5–10% reduction in body weight significantly reduces knee and hip load.
- Anti-inflammatory diet: Mediterranean-style eating — see our diet guide and foods to avoid.
- Medication: paracetamol, topical and oral NSAIDs, DMARDs and biologics for inflammatory arthritis.
- Injections & surgery: corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections, and joint replacement when conservative care has been exhausted.
- Mental health support: chronic pain affects mood — see our mental health guide.
Related conditions and guides
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Gout
- Living with arthritis
- Musculoskeletal health
Frequently asked questions
What is arthritis?
Arthritis is an umbrella term for over 100 conditions that cause joint pain, stiffness and swelling. The most common forms in the UK are osteoarthritis (wear-related) and rheumatoid arthritis (inflammatory).
What are the early warning signs of arthritis?
Persistent joint pain, morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, swelling around a joint, reduced range of motion and warmth or redness over a joint. Symptoms lasting more than two weeks warrant a GP review.
How is arthritis diagnosed?
A clinician reviews your symptoms, examines affected joints, and may request blood tests (CRP, ESR, rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP) and imaging (X-ray, ultrasound or MRI) to confirm the type of arthritis.
Can arthritis be cured?
Most forms of arthritis cannot be cured, but symptoms can be effectively managed with exercise, weight management, an anti-inflammatory diet, medication, and in some cases joint replacement surgery.
What treatments help most?
Evidence consistently supports a combination of progressive exercise, weight optimisation, topical or oral anti-inflammatories, physiotherapy and joint protection strategies. Inflammatory arthritis often needs DMARDs or biologics.
When should I see a specialist?
Ask your GP for a rheumatology referral if you have suspected inflammatory arthritis, persistent unexplained joint swelling, or symptoms that are not responding to first-line care.
Can arthritis come and go?
For some types, yes. Inflammatory arthritis (like rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis) commonly flares and eases in cycles — periods of active symptoms followed by remission. Gout is defined by sudden attacks with symptom-free periods between them. Osteoarthritis behaves differently: it’s typically a gradual, progressive condition, though day-to-day pain can still vary with activity, weather, or overuse. If symptoms are genuinely disappearing and returning, that pattern itself is a useful thing to describe to a GP or rheumatologist, since it helps narrow down which type of arthritis is involved.
Clinically reviewed · Louis Maxwell, HCPC PH128483 · 16 September 2026
Educational information for people in the UK living with arthritis — not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Check medicines and exercises with your GP, pharmacist or rheumatology team. For emergencies call 999; for urgent advice use NHS 111. See our medical disclaimer, editorial standards and claims policy.
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