Help for Osteoarthritis and Joint Pain in the UK

The NHS lists three main kinds of treatment for osteoarthritis symptoms (read 10 November 2026):

• lifestyle measures, such as keeping to a healthy weight and exercising regularly
• medicine to relieve pain, which your doctor will talk through with you
• supportive therapies to make everyday activities easier

Surgery is only considered in a small number of cases where other treatments have not helped. Source: NHS: osteoarthritis treatment and support. If you have joint pain or stiffness that does not settle, see a GP to find out the cause.

The NHS says regular exercise that builds muscle and strengthens the joints usually helps symptoms, and a GP or physiotherapist can give you an exercise plan to follow at home. It stresses following the plan, because doing too much too quickly, or the wrong kind of exercise, may damage your joints.

Physiotherapists may also use manual therapy (stretching, mobilising and massaging tissues to keep joints supple), suggest footwear, insoles, braces or a walking aid, and provide a splint for a painful joint. Source: NHS: osteoarthritis treatment.

The NHS says a GP may refer you to an occupational therapist if osteoarthritis makes everyday tasks or getting around difficult. OTs can advise on assistive devices at home or work, such as tap turners if your hands are affected. See also home adaptations and occupational therapy.

Your local council can do a free care and support needs assessment: GOV.UK: apply for a needs assessment.

Long-term pain can affect sleep, mood and work. See living with long-term pain. If your mood is low, you can usually refer yourself to NHS Talking Therapies in England, or search counsellors and psychotherapists and psychologists.

Physiotherapist and occupational therapist are protected titles regulated by the HCPC, so you can check the HCPC register. Ask whether they work with arthritis, whether they offer home visits, and what a first assessment costs.

Whoever you choose, check their register and ask about fees, session length and how you will review progress together. See questions to ask a private allied health professional and how much therapy costs. On Therapist Circle, each practitioner's registration is checked when they join, and their profile shows the register and number so you can check it yourself.