Arthritis

Book a consultation with one of our doctors if:

You experience persistent joint pain, stiffness, or swelling that interferes with your daily activities.
You notice a limited range of motion in your joints, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.
You suspect you may be at risk for arthritis due to factors like family history, previous injuries, or weight.
You experience morning stiffness in your joints that lasts for more than 30 minutes.
You're concerned about unexplained joint pain, especially if it's new or worsening.
You experience sudden and severe joint pain, especially after an injury or trauma. (This could be a different type of joint injury.)
Your joints become red, hot, and extremely swollen, potentially indicating an infection.
You experience joint pain accompanied by a high fever, chills, or feeling generally unwell. (This could be a sign of a more serious inflammatory condition.)
You have pre-existing medical conditions and experience a new or worsening joint pain. (Certain conditions can affect joints and require prompt evaluation.)

Information

Book a consultation with one of our doctors if:

You experience persistent joint pain, stiffness, or swelling that interferes with your daily activities.
You notice a limited range of motion in your joints, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.
You suspect you may be at risk for arthritis due to factors like family history, previous injuries, or weight.
You experience morning stiffness in your joints that lasts for more than 30 minutes.
You're concerned about unexplained joint pain, especially if it's new or worsening.
You experience sudden and severe joint pain, especially after an injury or trauma. (This could be a different type of joint injury.)
Your joints become red, hot, and extremely swollen, potentially indicating an infection.
You experience joint pain accompanied by a high fever, chills, or feeling generally unwell. (This could be a sign of a more serious inflammatory condition.)
You have pre-existing medical conditions and experience a new or worsening joint pain. (Certain conditions can affect joints and require prompt evaluation.)

Do:

Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts extra stress on joints, so weight management is crucial. Aim for a healthy weight through a balanced diet and exercise.
Exercise regularly: Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga can improve joint flexibility, strength, and reduce pain.
Apply heat or cold therapy: Heat can help relax stiff muscles before exercise, while cold therapy can reduce inflammation after activity.
Practise good posture: Proper posture helps distribute weight evenly across your joints, reducing stress and pain.
Wear supportive shoes: Choose shoes with good arch support and cushioning to absorb impact during movement.
Pace yourself: Don't overdo activities. Listen to your body and take breaks when needed to avoid joint strain.
Use assistive devices: Consider using canes, braces, or grab bars to support your joints and make daily activities easier.
Learn relaxation techniques: Techniques like deep breathing or meditation can help manage pain and improve sleep quality.
Eat a balanced diet: Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains for essential nutrients to support joint health.
Stay hydrated: Drinking enough fluids keeps your joints lubricated and helps your body function optimally.
See your doctor regularly: Schedule regular checkups to monitor your arthritis and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Take medications as prescribed: If your doctor prescribes medication for pain management or to slow disease progression, take it exactly as directed.

Don't:

Ignore pain: Don't push through pain as it can worsen joint damage. Seek medical attention if you experience persistent pain.
Become inactive: While rest is important during flare-ups, complete inactivity can stiffen joints. Aim for regular gentle exercise.
Smoke: Smoking can worsen inflammation and accelerate joint degeneration.
Consume excessive alcohol: Alcohol can contribute to inflammation and interfere with medication effectiveness.
Apply heat or cold directly to bare skin: Wrap heat or cold packs in a towel before applying them to avoid burns.
Neglect stretching: Regularly stretching keeps your joints flexible and helps maintain range of motion.
Overuse joints: Avoid repetitive activities that may aggravate pain. Take breaks and alternate tasks.
Wear high heels: High heels can put a strain on your knees and ankles. Opt for flat or low-heeled shoes.
Eat sugary or processed foods: These foods can contribute to inflammation and weight gain, worsening arthritis symptoms.
Dehydrate yourself: Not drinking enough fluids can worsen joint stiffness.

Possible Questions:

Can you describe the pain you're experiencing?
Where is the pain located? (Specific joints)
When did the pain start? Is it constant or does it come and go?
Is the pain worse in the morning, at night, or with certain activities?
Do you experience stiffness in your joints? How long does it last?
Have you noticed any swelling, redness, or warmth in the affected joints?
Do you have any difficulty performing daily activities due to pain or stiffness?
Have you ever been diagnosed with arthritis or any other joint condition?
Do you have a family history of arthritis?
What is your typical level of physical activity?
Do you smoke cigarettes or use other tobacco products?
Do you drink alcohol regularly? If so, how much?
Do you have any underlying medical conditions like diabetes, obesity, or autoimmune diseases?
Are you currently taking any medications, including over-the-counter drugs or supplements?

1.Symptoms

What are the common symptoms of arthritis?

Arthritis can cause a variety of symptoms, but the most common include:

Joint pain and stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity
Swelling, redness, and tenderness around the affected joint(s)
Difficulty moving or using the affected joint(s)
Loss of flexibility

Visit our Symptoms & Causes page for more information

Should I see a doctor if I experience these symptoms?

Yes, it's important to see a doctor if you experience any of these symptoms, especially if the pain is persistent or interferes with your daily activities. Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage arthritis and improve your quality of life.

Visit our Symptoms & Causes page for more information.

2.Diagnosis

How is arthritis diagnosed?

LIPS doctors use a combination of methods to diagnose arthritis, including:

Medical history and physical exam
X-rays
Blood tests
Joint aspiration (removal of fluid from the joint)
Imaging tests like MRI scans (in some cases)

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information

What happens during a consultation for arthritis at LIPS?

During your consultation, a LIPS doctor will discuss your symptoms, medical history, family history, and lifestyle factors. They will also perform a physical exam that focuses on your joints. Based on this information, the doctor will recommend the most appropriate diagnostic tests.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

3.Treatment

What are the treatment options for arthritis?

There is no cure for arthritis, but there are many effective treatments available to manage symptoms and improve joint function. These may include:

Medication (pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying drugs)
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Injections (cortisone, hyaluronic acid)
Surgery (in some severe cases)

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information

How can LIPS help me manage my arthritis?

LIPS offers a comprehensive approach to arthritis care. Our team of specialists will work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and goals.

Visit our Diagnosis & Treatment page for more information.

4.Insurance

At LIPS we work with a wide range of insurance providers.

Will my insurance cover arthritis treatment?

Coverage for arthritis treatment can vary depending on your individual insurance plan. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly to determine your specific coverage. Our team at LIPS can also assist you with obtaining pre-authorisation from your insurance company if needed.

How does LIPS work with the National Health Service?

Our goal is to give you answers as quickly as possible and get you on the right treatment path fast – no strings attached. When you come to us, you will be seen by a qualified specialist who can determine if your situation is serious or not that same day. We don’t want you to wait weeks on end for an appointment because every minute counts when it comes to something as important as your health. If your situation is serious, our specialist will write to your doctor on the NHS advising them that you need an urgent appointment.