In short: Most joint pain is caused by strain, overuse or osteoarthritis and can be helped by exercise, weight management and simple pain relief. Early signs that need a prompt medical review include joints that are swollen, warm or red, morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, pain in several small joints of the hands or feet, or joint pain with fever or feeling unwell. A hot, swollen joint with a fever needs same-day assessment.

This guide, written by a Ready Health prescribing pharmacist, explains the early signs of joint problems, common causes, what UK NICE guidance recommends, and how to get help in Wigan, Bolton, Chorley and Horwich.

What are the early signs of joint problems you shouldn't ignore?

swelling of one or more joints that does not settle within a few days
morning stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes, which can suggest an inflammatory arthritis
pain in several small joints, such as the knuckles, wrists or the balls of the feet, especially on both sides of the body
warmth or redness over a joint
joint pain with fever, rash, tiredness or weight loss
a joint that locks, gives way or suddenly stops moving properly after an injury
pain that wakes you at night or is steadily getting worse

Seek same-day help (GP, NHS 111 or A&E) if a joint becomes suddenly hot, red, swollen and very painful, especially with a fever. This can be septic arthritis, which is a medical emergency.

What are the common causes of joint pain?

Cause	Typical features
Osteoarthritis	Usually over 45; pain with activity; stiffness after rest that eases within about 30 minutes; often knees, hips, hands
Rheumatoid arthritis	Swelling and tenderness of several joints, often small joints of hands and feet on both sides; prolonged morning stiffness; tiredness
Gout	Sudden, severe pain, swelling and redness in one joint, often the big toe, settling over days to a couple of weeks
Injury or overuse	Linked to sport, lifting or repetitive tasks; may involve tendons or ligaments around the joint
Post-infection (reactive) arthritis	Joint pain and swelling following an infection, such as a gut or sexually transmitted infection
Other inflammatory conditions	For example psoriatic arthritis (with psoriasis) or axial spondyloarthritis (inflammatory back pain)

Hormonal changes around the menopause can also be associated with joint aches for some women.

Why does early assessment matter?

For inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, NICE guideline NG100 advises urgent referral to a rheumatology specialist when persistent joint swelling of unknown cause is suspected, particularly if small joints of the hands or feet or more than one joint are affected. Starting treatment early can help reduce long-term joint damage. Normal blood tests do not rule out inflammatory arthritis, so symptoms and examination matter.

How is joint pain assessed?

a clinical history and examination of the joints
blood tests where appropriate, for example inflammatory markers (CRP), rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies, or uric acid for suspected gout
imaging such as X-ray, ultrasound or MRI when it is likely to change management – NICE says osteoarthritis can usually be diagnosed without imaging in people over 45 with typical symptoms

How is joint pain treated?

Osteoarthritis (NICE NG226)

therapeutic exercise tailored to you is the core treatment
weight loss if you are living with overweight, which can reduce load on knees and hips
topical anti-inflammatory gels for knee osteoarthritis, with oral anti-inflammatories considered for short periods if needed
NICE does not recommend routine paracetamol, glucosamine or hyaluronic acid injections for osteoarthritis
steroid injections into the joint may give short-term relief when other treatments have not helped enough

Gout and inflammatory arthritis

Gout flares are usually treated with anti-inflammatory medicines, and some people need long-term urate-lowering treatment. Inflammatory arthritis is managed by specialists with disease-modifying medicines. A prescriber decides which treatment is suitable for you.

Physiotherapy

A physiotherapist can help with strength, movement and confidence, and is useful for injuries, osteoarthritis and recovery after surgery.

Frequently asked questions

Is joint pain just part of getting older?

Osteoarthritis becomes more common with age, but persistent pain is not something you simply have to accept. Exercise and other treatments can make a real difference.

Does cracking or clicking mean arthritis?

Painless clicking is common and usually harmless. Seek advice if clicking comes with pain, swelling or locking.

Should I rest a painful joint?

Short rest after an injury can help, but long periods of inactivity tend to make stiffness worse. Gradual, regular movement is usually better.

Do supplements help joint pain?

NICE does not recommend glucosamine or chondroitin for osteoarthritis because evidence of benefit is lacking.

Key takeaways

Swelling, prolonged morning stiffness or pain in several small joints needs prompt review.
A hot, red, swollen joint with fever needs same-day care.
Exercise and weight management are the foundations of osteoarthritis treatment.
Early specialist treatment for inflammatory arthritis helps protect joints.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Shamir Patel, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, Ready Health. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own clinician.

Joint pain not improving? Ready Health in Standish offers private GP assessment, blood tests and imaging, with physiotherapy through our partner physiotherapists, for patients from Wigan, Bolton, Chorley and Horwich. Book a GP appointment or read about physiotherapy.

Joint Pain: Early Warning Signs, Causes and When to Get Help