How is joint pain treated?

A clinician may assess the joint, surrounding muscles and your pattern of symptoms before choosing treatment. A recent strain may improve with activity changes, gentle movement and a gradual return to normal use. Ongoing inflammation, an injury, infection or an underlying condition needs a different plan. The goal is to keep the joint moving safely while avoiding loads that aggravate it.

Anti-inflammatory medication may help some people, but it is not suitable for everyone, including people with certain stomach, kidney, heart or medication-related risks. A cortisone injection may be considered when inflammation remains focused in one joint. Hydrotherapy can make movement easier because water supports part of the body's weight. Weight management may reduce stress on weight-bearing joints, while vitamin D supplementation is appropriate only when deficiency has been identified.

Keep a note of which joints hurt, when symptoms began, what makes them better or worse, and whether swelling, stiffness, fever or a recent injury is present. Use comfortable movement rather than prolonged complete rest, and pace activities so pain does not build sharply. A clinician or physiotherapist can suggest exercises that match your strength and mobility.

Discuss pain relief before starting a new medicine, especially if you are pregnant, have another medical condition or take regular prescriptions. Persistent or recurring symptoms may need assessment for conditions such as vitamin D deficiency or sickle cell disease.

Arrange prompt medical assessment if a joint is hot, very swollen or difficult to move, particularly with fever or feeling unwell. Seek urgent help after a significant injury if the joint looks deformed, you cannot bear weight, or numbness or weakness develops. Make an appointment for pain that persists, keeps returning, disturbs sleep or gradually limits everyday activities.

Ask what may be causing the pain, which movements are safe, whether an anti-inflammatory medicine is suitable, and when a review is needed if symptoms do not improve.