Arthritis: More than aches and pains

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QUICK LINKS
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Learn about psoriatic arthritis
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Learn about rheumatoid arthritis
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Over 10 million people in the UK are living with arthritis1. Getting treatment fast can save your joints and prevent bigger health problems3.

Arthritis is a disease that makes your joints hurt, swell, and feel stiff.1 There are several different types of arthritis, and it can affect people of all ages.2
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KNOW THE TYPES

Understanding arthritis

Arthritis can happen to anyone, and there are many reasons why2. Some people are more likely to get it because of their age, or family history2.

If someone in your family has rheumatoid arthritis, you might get it too. Smoking can raise your chances of getting rheumatoid arthritis3.Skin problems like psoriasis can sometimes lead to psoriatic arthritis4.

We will focus on two types of arthritis.

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Psoriatic arthritis
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Rheumatoid arthritis
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Psoriatic arthritis

  • Psoriatic arthritis is more common in people who have a skin condition called psoriasis. 2,4
  • It can run in families, so you might get it if someone in your family has it. 3
  • It causes sore, swollen joints, which can make it hard to move. 2,4
  • Your doctor may send you to a specialist to help find out if you have it.
Learn more
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Rheumatoid arthritis

  • It causes painful, swollen joints and other symptoms. 2,4
  • It can run in families, so you might get it if someone in your family has it. 3
  • Things in the environment, like stress or infections, can sometimes trigger it. 3
  • Your doctor might send you to a specialist to help figure out if you have it.
Learn more
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DIAGNOSING ARTHRITIS

Diagnosing arthritis starts with a visit to a healthcare professional 5

Arthritis can feel different for everyone, but it usually starts with sore and stiff joints.1,2
STEP 1
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Talk with your healthcare professional

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Your healthcare professional will ask questions about your symptoms, ask about your health and family history, and do a physical exam.
STEP 2
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Additional tests, if needed

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To learn more, your healthcare professional may order x-rays or lab tests.6
STEP 3
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See a rheumatologist

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Your healthcare professional may refer you to a rheumatologist, a doctor who specialises in arthritis and other conditions that impact bones, muscles, and joints.
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TREATMENT OPTIONS

Living well with arthritis 6,7

Managing arthritis early can help stop it from getting worse, ease pain, and improve your overall health.
Even though there’s no cure, arthritis can still be treated and managed in different ways. Talk to your healthcare professional about your diagnosis and the treatment options that may work best for you.

Common treatment options include:

  • Over-the-counter medicines to help with pain
  • Prescription medicines for more serious symptoms
  • Physical therapy to improve movement and strength
  • Surgery, if other treatments don’t help

Depending on what your healthcare professional finds, you may be referred to a rheumatologist, a specialist who treats arthritis and other joint problems.

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References

  1. Arthritis UK. The state of musculoskeletal health 2025: arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions in numbers [Internet]. 2025 [cited 18 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.arthritis-uk.org/media/lfpbvm2m/arthritisuk_state_of_msk_health_report_2025.pdf
  2. Arthritis UK. Arthritis: symptoms, causes, types and treatment [Internet]. [cited 18 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.arthritis-uk.org/information-and-support/understanding-arthritis/conditions/arthritis/
  3. NHS. Rheumatoid arthritis [Internet]. London: NHS; [cited 18 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/
  4. NHS. Psoriatic arthritis [Internet]. London: NHS; [cited 18 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/
  5. NHS. Rheumatoid arthritis – Diagnosis [Internet]. London: NHS; [cited 18 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/diagnosis/
  6. NHS. Arthritis [Internet]. London: NHS; 2026 [cited 04 June 2026]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/arthritis/
  7. NHS. Rheumatoid arthritis – Living with [Internet]. London: NHS; [cited 18 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/living-with/
CMAT-07470 June 2026
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