What if a weight management programme does not relieve joint pain?

Reducing load on a joint can be helpful, but pain may continue because of osteoarthritis, a tendon or ligament injury, inflammatory arthritis, nerve irritation, altered movement or a flare after increased activity. The location, swelling, stiffness, warmth, injury history and effect on walking help guide assessment. A clinician may examine the joint and decide whether blood tests, imaging or physiotherapy would add useful information.

Tell the programme team what movements trigger pain and whether it affects sleep or walking. Keep activity gentle and within tolerable limits; sudden increases can aggravate a joint. Ask about physiotherapy, supportive footwear, exercises and suitable pain relief, particularly if you have kidney, stomach, heart or liver problems. Do not assume every pain medicine is safe for you. Read [Joint Pain](/symptoms/joint-pain/) and [Weight Management Programme](/treatments/lifestyle-and-wellness/weight-management-programme/).

Seek urgent assessment for a hot, red, very swollen joint with fever, severe pain after an injury, inability to bear weight, new limb weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control. Arrange prompt review if pain is steadily worsening, wakes you repeatedly, or is accompanied by unexplained weight change or prolonged morning stiffness.

What is the most likely source of this joint pain? Do I need imaging or blood tests? Which exercises and pain treatments fit my health history? Should I be assessed by a physiotherapist or rheumatology clinician?