As such, a consultation with a GP is usually necessary to discover the root cause of your aches and pains.
Our doctors can discuss your symptoms - as well as your lifestyle and medical history - and get to the bottom of what might be causing your aches and pains.
Many cases of joint pain can be cured by rest or medication, while others may require a change in your routines to prevent the problem from cropping up again.
There are a number of potential reasons you can experience joint pain. These can be summed up in two basic areas:
The way you use your joints
Medical conditions and injuries
Joint pain can also be made worse by:
Our doctors can offer treatment and advice for your joint pain. They'll help with:
Pain affecting a specific joint
Medical conditions
Everyone experiences joint pain from time to time, particularly as we get older.
However, if you notice any of the following symptoms, it's best to see a doctor and see if treatment is necessary.
Joint pain can have a serious impact on your life. It can stop you being able to do things you enjoy, while it can even leave you unable to do your job.
Our doctors can help you find a way to effectively treat your joint pain and get back to leading an active life.
You can talk to one of our doctors face-to-face on your smartphone, tablet or desktop device.
They'll discuss your symptoms, look at any affected area and suggest ways to treat the problem, including prescription medication or a referral for specialist treatment.
Appointments are available from 6am until 11pm, 7 days a week.
Your doctor may decide that medication is the most effective way to treat your joint pain.
In many cases, they will prescribe an anti-inflammatory designed to reduce the swelling around an affected joint. You should take any medication exactly as instructed by the doctor.
Our doctors are able to write you a prescription and we'll work quickly to make sure you can collect your medication from a pharmacy of your choice.
Aspirin | One of the most common anti-inflammatories available, some stronger forms of aspirin are only available over the counter. |
Ibuprofen | Can reduce swelling and is commonly used to treat back pain and arthritis. |
Naproxen | Controls the swelling around an affected joint. It's commonly used to treat arthritis and gout. |
Diclofenac | Reduces swelling and manages discomfort in a number of conditions that cause joint pain. |
Celecoxib | Works by suppressing the hormones that cause swelling. It's often used to treat the pain caused by arthritis. |
Mefenamic Acid | A short-term painkiller that can be used to treat persistent joint pain. |
Etoricoxib | Has proved effective in treating both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis, as well as gout. |
Indomethacin | Can treat a wide range of problems that cause joint pain, including arthritis. |
Our doctors will likely need to ask a few questions to find the reason for your joint pain.
They'll ask about your symptoms and may want to find out a little about your lifestyle - for example, whether you have a physically demanding job.
They'll use this information to provide practical treatment advice that'll help you manage your joint pain. This can involve referring you to a specialist, or prescribing medication.