Home
>
Joint Pain

Joint Pain

Concerned about joint pain? With Hola, you can speak to a GMC-registered and NHS-trained doctor online in minutes to discuss joint pain, stiffness, swelling or difficulty moving. Available every day from 8 am – 6 pm.

What is joint pain?

Joint pain, also known as arthralgia, refers to discomfort, aching, or soreness in one or more joints. A joint is where two or more bones connect, allowing mobility and supporting the body. Common examples include the knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and the small joints of the fingers and toes. Joint pain is not the same as muscle pain (myalgia), which affects the muscles and other soft tissues rather than the joints. It is also different from arthritis. Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation in the joints, while joint pain itself is a symptom that can have many different causes.

Quick facts

Joint pain can affect one or more joints at the same time.
It might be temporary or long-term.
Joint pain is a symptom, not a disease in itself.
There are several potential causes, including injury, arthritis, and infection.
Mild cases usually improve with rest; chronic discomfort may need medical attention.

Disclaimer: This content is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns. In an emergency, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E department.

This content is medically reviewed by Dr Karthik Baskaran. Last updated: 19 October 2026.

Types of joint pain

Joint pain varies based on the origin, duration, and number of joints affected. Understanding the type can help identify the most likely cause and the right next steps.

Acute joint pain

Acute joint pain occurs suddenly, often due to an accident, infection, or inflammation, and usually improves within a few days to a few weeks.

Chronic joint pain

Chronic joint pain persists for three months or more and is frequently associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Localised joint pain

Localised joint pain affects a single joint, such as the knee, shoulder, or wrist, and can be caused by injury or overuse.

Widespread joint pain

Widespread joint pain affects multiple joints at once and may be associated with autoimmune illnesses, viral infections, or inflammatory diseases.

Symptoms of joint pain

Symptoms depend on the underlying cause, but may include:

Pain

Pain can range from a mild ache to severe pain in one or more joints.

Stiffness

Difficulty moving a joint, particularly after rest.

Swelling

Swelling is the inflammation or injury that causes puffiness.

Warmth

The damaged joint may feel warmer than the surrounding skin.

Redness

When a joint becomes inflamed, the skin around it may turn red.

Reduced mobility

Difficulties bending or straightening the joint.

Clicking or grinding

During movement might indicate deterioration of cartilage.

Weakness

A decrease in strength around the afflicted joint.

Walking difficulty

This is common when the hips, knees, ankles, or feet are afflicted.

Pain with movement

The symptoms worsen with joint use. Seek assessment if pain begins.

Pain at rest

Pain at rest might signal ongoing inflammation or a more serious illness.

Warning: If you experience sudden, severe joint pain, significant swelling, a hot or red joint, or joint pain with fever or chills, seek urgent medical attention, as these may be signs of a serious condition.

Causes joint pain

There are several causes of joint pain, ranging from everyday wear and tear to underlying medical conditions.

Arthritis: A group of conditions, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, that cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Injury: Falls, sprains, fractures, and dislocations may all harm a joint and result in discomfort.

Overuse: Repeated movements at work, during exercise, or in everyday activities can strain the joints over time.

Sports Injuries: High-impact sports can cause ligament injuries, cartilage damage, and tendon issues.

Autoimmune conditions: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the joint tissue.

Gout: Gout develops when uric acid crystals accumulate in a joint, causing rapid bouts of intense pain and swelling.

Viral infections: Some viral infections, such as influenza and COVID-19, can cause temporary aches in multiple joints.

Bacterial infections: Septic arthritis is a bacterial infection inside a joint and is a medical emergency.

Age-related wear and tear: As people age, cartilage gradually deteriorates, increasing the chance of joint discomfort and stiffness.

Joint pain management

Management depends on the underlying cause and its severity. Many people benefit from a combination of self-care, exercise and medical management where appropriate. Because it depends on the cause of the joint pain, before trying self-care, seek urgent assessment for a hot, red or markedly swollen joint; fever or feeling very unwell; severe pain after injury; deformity; sudden inability to move the joint; or inability to bear weight. Otherwise, management depends on the cause and may include short-term rest and tailored movement

Self-care

Recommendation	Why it helps
Rest	Allows injured tissues time to recover.
Gentle movement	Helps maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness.
Ice	Reduces pain and swelling after an injury.
Heat	Helps relax stiff muscles and joints.
Elevation	May reduce swelling in an injured limb.
Compression	Supports the joint and limits swelling where appropriate.
Weight management	Reduces pressure on weight-bearing joints.
Regular exercise	Strengthens muscles that support the joints.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy can help improve joint mobility, strengthen the surrounding muscles, and ease the pain using targeted exercises and hands-on techniques. It is commonly used to manage both recent injuries and long-term conditions affecting the joints.

This information is for educational purposes only. You should consult a doctor or medical practitioner before attempting home remedies to ensure they are safe for your specific condition.

How Hola Health UK may help

Joint pain can affect your daily activities and make movement uncomfortable. Through an online consultation, Hola Health UK can help you discuss your symptoms with a GMC-registered doctor and understand the next steps.

Discuss your symptoms: Explain where you feel joint pain, when it started and whether you have swelling, stiffness or difficulty moving.
Receive medical advice: A doctor can assess your symptoms and provide advice on managing your joint pain, where clinically appropriate.
Understand your next steps: If your symptoms require further examination, tests or in-person care, the doctor can advise you on the appropriate next steps.
Request a specialist referral: If clinically appropriate, the doctor may provide a referral letter to help you seek further assessment from a specialist.

Hola Health UK offers private online consultations with GMC-registered doctors, available daily from 8 am to 6 pm. We’re a private service, not an NHS provider. An online consultation may not be suitable if your joint pain requires a physical examination.

If a joint becomes suddenly very painful, hot or swollen, particularly with fever, seek urgent medical advice. For a medical emergency, call 999.

FAQ

What are the joint pain symptoms in children and older people?

Symptom	What it may look like
Limping	Avoid putting weight on one leg
Swollen joint	Visible puffiness around the joint
Refusing to use a limb	Avoiding crawling, walking or playing
Fever	May suggest an underlying infection. Fever with severe joint pain, swelling, reduced movement, a limp or refusal to bear weight needs urgent same-day assessment as septic arthritis must be considered.
Irritability	Younger children may become unsettled due to pain

What are the symptoms in older adults for joint pain?

Joint pain becomes more common as people age, mainly because of the gradual wear and tear on the joints over time. In older adults, symptoms often develop gradually and may be mistaken for normal ageing.

Persistent stiffness: Usually worst in the morning or after sitting for a while.
Reduced mobility: Daily tasks may become increasingly challenging.
Balance issues: Discomfort impacts stability and increases the risk of falls.
Swelling: Joint swelling may indicate arthritis or inflammation.
Ongoing pain: Symptoms may become worse over time.

Where can joint pain occur?

Joint	Common causes
Knee	Osteoarthritis, ligament injury, and meniscus tear
Hip	Arthritis, bursitis, muscle strain
Shoulder	Rotator cuff injury, frozen shoulder, arthritis
Wrist	Sprains, repetitive strain, and arthritis
Fingers	Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout
Elbow	Tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, arthritis
Ankle	Sprains, fractures, arthritis
Toes	Gout, bunions, arthritis
Jaw (TMJ)	Teeth grinding, jaw disorders, and arthritis

Who is more likely to experience joint pain?

Some people are more likely to have joint discomfort due to their age, work, lifestyle, or underlying health issues.

Older adults: Age-related wear and tear raises the risk of joint discomfort, especially osteoarthritis.
Athletes:Repetitive training and sports injuries can cause additional stress on the joints.
Manual workers: Frequent lifting, kneeling, or repetitive actions increase the risk of joint problems.
Office workers: Prolonged sitting and poor posture can lead to joint stiffness and discomfort.
Pregnant women: Hormonal changes and increased weight can put additional strain on the joints, particularly the hips and pelvis.
Obese people: Extra body weight puts pressure on weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips.
People with autoimmune diseases: Autoimmune illnesses, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, may cause joint inflammation and discomfort.
People with previous joint injuries: People with previous joint injuries are more likely to develop long-term joint disorders.

What are the risk factors for long-term joint problems

Several factors might raise the probability of persistent joint discomfort or injury.

Age: As you get older, cartilage naturally wears down.
Body weight: Excess body weight causes additional stress on the joints.
Family history: Certain joint problems have a hereditary component.
Previous injuries: Damaged joints are more susceptible to future issues.
Repetitive work: Repetitive activity can strain joints over time.
Posture: Poor posture can put too much pressure on joints.
Lack of exercise: Weak muscles offer less support to the joints.
Smoking: Smoking can impair circulation and delay tissue repair.

Warning: Persistent joint pain lasting several weeks should be assessed by a doctor or medical practitioner, especially if it is severe, recurrent or associated with swelling, redness or fever. Seek urgent assessment for a hot, red or markedly swollen joint; fever; severe or rapidly worsening pain; recent major injury; deformity; numbness; or inability to move the joint or bear weight. A non-urgent review should be arranged if pain persists, recurs or limits daily activities.

How is joint pain diagnosed?

To find the cause of your joint pain, a doctor or medical practitioner will usually use a combination of the following:

Medical history: Your clinician will inquire about your symptoms, medical issues, and prior injuries.
Symptom assessment: The location, intensity, and duration of pain all aid diagnosis.
Physical examination: The joint may be examined for swelling, warmth, tenderness and range of movement.
Blood test: Blood tests can detect inflammation, infection, or autoimmune disorders.
X-ray: X-rays reveal bone degeneration, fractures, and symptoms of arthritis.
Ultrasound: Used to examine soft tissues, tendons, and joint fluid.
MRI scan: MRI scans provide comprehensive pictures of cartilage, ligaments, and other soft tissues.
CT scans: CT scans can be used to evaluate detailed cross-sectional images of bone and joint structures.
Joint fluid analysis: A fluid sample can be analysed for infection, gout, or inflammation.

How long does joint pain last?

Recovery depends on the underlying cause. Some cases improve within days, while others require ongoing management.

Cause	Expected recovery
Minor sprain	Days to several weeks
Viral illness	Usually 1–2 weeks
Overuse	A few days to several weeks with rest
Arthritis	Long-term condition requiring ongoing management
Surgery recovery	Several weeks to several months

What are the possible complications of joint pain?

Most cases of joint pain improve with appropriate management and self-care. However, if the underlying reason is not addressed or the pain persists, problems may arise, affecting mobility, independence, and general well-being.

Reduced mobility: Chronic pain and stiffness can make it difficult to move the afflicted joint or perform daily tasks.
Muscle weakness: When a painful joint is not used as often, the muscles around it weaken over time.
Falls: Joint discomfort, stiffness, or instability, especially in elderly people, can increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls.
Chronic pain: Certain illnesses can cause chronic pain that lasts for months or longer.
Joint damage: Unmanaged inflammatory or degenerative disorders can eventually harm the joint and impair its function.
Reduced quality of life: Chronic joint pain may interfere with work, exercise, sleep, and social activities.
Loss of independence: Severe or chronic joint disorders can make daily chores more difficult and may require assistance.

Can joint pain be prevented?

While not every joint pain can be avoided, adopting healthy practices can lower your risk.

Stay active: Regular movement keeps joints flexible.
Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight relieves pressure on weight-bearing joints.
Strength training: Strength training helps build muscles that support the joints.
Stretching: Increases flexibility and reduces stiffness.
Posture: Good posture relieves unnecessary pressure on joints.
Lifting: Safe lifting helps prevent injuries at work and at home.
Footwear: Wearing supportive footwear enhances stability and joint alignment.
Prevent falls: Keep your home safe and use mobility aids if needed.
Manage long-term conditions: Following your management plan may help protect your joints.

What are the common myths about joint pain?

Myth	Fact
Joint pain only affects older people.	People of all ages can experience joint pain.
Exercise always makes joint pain worse.	Appropriate exercise often helps improve joint health.
Every joint pain is arthritis.	Joint pain has many possible causes.
Cracking joints causes arthritis.	There is no strong evidence that it causes arthritis.
Rest is always the best management.	Gentle movement is often an important part of recovery.

What are the home remedies for joint pain?

Remedy	Evidence	Notes
Heat packs	Good	May ease stiffness and muscle tension.
Cold packs	Good	Helpful after injury or during flare-ups.
Gentle stretching	Good	Helps maintain flexibility.
Swimming	Good	Low-impact exercise that reduces stress on joints.
Walking	Good	Supports joint mobility and overall health.
Healthy weight	Strong	Reduces strain on joints.
Supportive footwear	Moderate	Helps improve comfort and stability.

What lifestyle changes can help you manage joint pain?

Stay active: Regular, appropriate movement can help reduce stiffness.
Manage flare-ups: Manage flare-ups by timing your activities and resting as required.
Sleep: Good-quality sleep promotes healing and general well-being.
Mental health: Ongoing pain can impair one’s mood, so ask for help if necessary.
Workplace adjustments: Simple alterations might help to lessen joint strain.
Daily activities: Use supporting equipment as needed.
Support groups: Sharing your experiences with others may provide useful advice and encouragement.