In short: Arthritis means pain and stiffness in the joints. The most common type is osteoarthritis, which is best managed with regular exercise, keeping to a healthy weight and joint-friendly daily habits, with medicines and injections used to support these, not replace them. Inflammatory types such as rheumatoid arthritis need early specialist treatment, so new joint swelling, especially in the hands or feet, should be checked promptly.

This guide, written by a Ready Health prescribing pharmacist, covers the main types of arthritis, practical self-help, and the treatments recommended in UK guidance, for people in Standish, Wigan, Chorley and nearby.

What are the main types of arthritis?

Type	What happens	Typical features
Osteoarthritis	Changes in the cartilage, bone and other joint tissues; very common with age	Pain worse with activity, short-lived morning stiffness (usually under 30 minutes); often knees, hips, hands
Rheumatoid arthritis	The immune system causes inflammation in the joint lining	Swollen, warm, painful joints, often small joints of hands and feet on both sides; morning stiffness lasting longer; tiredness
Psoriatic arthritis	Inflammatory arthritis linked to psoriasis	Swollen joints or fingers/toes, nail changes, back pain
Gout	Urate crystals in a joint	Sudden, severe pain, redness and swelling, often in the big toe

When should I see a doctor about joint pain?

Joint swelling that lasts, especially in several joints or the small joints of the hands and feet, as early treatment of inflammatory arthritis matters.
Morning stiffness lasting more than about 30 minutes.
Joint pain affecting your sleep, work or daily activities.
Get urgent help for a single hot, red, swollen joint with fever or feeling unwell, as this could be a joint infection.

What can I do myself to help arthritis?

Keep moving: exercise is a core treatment for osteoarthritis. A mix of strengthening and general activity, such as walking, cycling or swimming, helps pain and function.
Manage your weight: losing weight if you are overweight reduces load on knees and hips.
Pace activities: break tasks into smaller chunks and balance activity with rest.
Heat or cold: warm packs or cold packs may ease pain and stiffness.
Footwear and aids: supportive shoes, walking aids and gadgets can make daily tasks easier.

What medical treatments are recommended for osteoarthritis?

Topical anti-inflammatory gels are a first option for knee osteoarthritis and may help other joints near the skin surface.
Oral anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) may be considered at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time, with stomach protection, after checking risks such as stomach ulcers, kidney problems and heart disease.
Paracetamol and weak opioids are not recommended routinely for osteoarthritis, as the benefit is small; strong opioids should not be used.
Steroid joint injections may be considered when other treatments have not helped enough. Relief is usually short-term, so they are used to support exercise, not as a long-term solution.
Physiotherapy to build strength and confidence with movement.
Joint replacement surgery may be discussed when symptoms seriously affect quality of life despite other treatment.

UK guidance does not recommend glucosamine, hyaluronic acid injections or acupuncture for osteoarthritis. Any prescription medicine or injection is only given after an individual assessment by a qualified clinician.

How is inflammatory arthritis treated?

Rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis are managed by rheumatology specialists, usually with disease-modifying medicines started early to control inflammation and protect the joints. If inflammatory arthritis is suspected, the priority is a prompt referral.

Frequently asked questions

Is exercise safe if I have arthritis?

Yes. Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for osteoarthritis. Start gently and build up gradually; some discomfort at first is common.

Do I need an X-ray to diagnose osteoarthritis?

Often not. In people over 45 with typical symptoms, osteoarthritis can usually be diagnosed from symptoms and examination.

How often can I have a steroid joint injection?

This depends on the joint and your health. Injections are usually limited in number because benefit is short-term and repeated injections carry risks.

Can diet cure arthritis?

No diet cures arthritis, but a healthy diet helps with weight, and losing weight reduces joint load.

Key takeaways

Exercise and weight management are the foundations of osteoarthritis care.
Medicines and injections support, but do not replace, these measures.
New, persistent joint swelling needs prompt assessment.
A hot, swollen joint with fever needs urgent medical help.

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.

Living with joint pain in Wigan, Standish or Chorley? Ready Health offers private GP appointments, physiotherapy and assessment for joint injections where clinically appropriate, with referral to a specialist if needed.

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