What are the first signs of arthritis?
The first signs of arthritis are joint pain, stiffness, swelling or reduced movement lasting more than a few weeks. Osteoarthritis starts gradually with brief stiffness and pain after activity; inflammatory arthritis more often causes warm swollen joints and morning stiffness over 30 minutes. See a GP if a joint is swollen or symptoms are not settling.
Where to go next
- What is osteoarthritis? — How to recognise osteoarthritis symptoms, when to see a GP, NICE-aligned treatment, exercises and diet. Plain-English help written for patients.
- What is rheumatoid arthritis? — Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in the UK: early symptoms, GP referral, DMARDs, flares and self-care — a plain-English guide for patients.
- What is psoriatic arthritis? — Psoriasis plus sore, swollen joints? Learn the early signs of psoriatic arthritis, when to see a GP, and NICE-backed treatment and self-care.
- What is gout? — Sudden, very painful swollen joint? Learn gout symptoms, common triggers, diet changes, allopurinol treatment and when to see a GP.
- What is ankylosing spondylitis? — Back pain and morning stiffness under 45? Learn the signs of ankylosing spondylitis, when to see a GP, exercise and biologic treatment.
- What is juvenile arthritis? — UK guide to juvenile idiopathic arthritis: signs in children under 16, diagnosis, paediatric rheumatology care and DMARD treatment.
- What is fibromyalgia? — UK guide to fibromyalgia: widespread pain, fatigue, fibro fog and sleep problems, plus NICE-recommended exercise, CBT and pacing.
- What is lupus? — UK guide to lupus (SLE): joint pain, butterfly rash, fatigue and sun sensitivity, plus hydroxychloroquine treatment and self-care.
- What is knee arthritis? — Stiff, painful knees? Plain-English guide to knee arthritis: symptoms, exercises that help, treatment options and when to see a GP.
- What is hand arthritis? — Painful, stiff fingers or weak grip? Learn the causes of hand arthritis, exercises, daily tips and when to see a GP. Reviewed by a physio.
- What is hip arthritis? — Groin or hip pain and stiffness? Learn the signs of hip arthritis, exercises that help, treatment options and when to see a GP.
- What is shoulder arthritis? — UK guide to shoulder arthritis: glenohumeral & AC joint OA, rotator cuff arthropathy, symptoms, treatment and exercises.
- What is elbow arthritis? — UK guide to elbow pain and arthritis: causes of elbow joint pain, tennis and golfer's elbow, osteoarthritis, the best gentle exercises and when to see a GP.
Last updated 2026-11-03. This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.