Joint pain

Joint pain is common, especially as you get older. There are things you can do to ease the pain but get medical help if it's very painful or it does not get better.

Prescription review online

Prescription review online

A doctor will review your case and issue a prescription if medically appropriate.

Talk to a doctor online

Talk to a doctor online

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

Joint pain is common, especially as you get older. There are things you can do to ease the pain but get medical help if it's very painful or it does not get better.

Types of joint pain

Common types of joint pain include:

You might feel pain in 1 joint, or more than 1 joint at the same time, such as your knees and hips.

Causes of joint pain

There are many possible causes of joint pain. It might be caused by an injury or a longer-lasting problem such as arthritis.

Your symptoms might give you an idea what could be causing the pain. But do not self-diagnose, see a GP if you're worried.

Symptoms Possible cause
Pain, swelling or bruising after intense or repetitive exercise Sprain or strain
Over the age of 45, pain worse when walking and stiffness after moving Osteoarthritis
Hot, swollen joint that's more painful when you move it or press on it Bursitis
Pain and stiffness felt in both sides of your body that's worse after not moving (for example, when you wake up) Rheumatoid arthritis
Hot, swollen toe joint (usually big toe) with very bad pain that comes on suddenly Gout
Hot, swollen joint and a high temperature or feeling hot and shivery Joint infection (septic arthritis)

How you can ease joint pain

There are some things you can do to ease joint pain.

Do

  • try to rest the affected joint if you can

  • put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) wrapped in a towel on the painful area for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours

  • take painkillers, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, but do not take ibuprofen in the first 48 hours after an injury

  • try to lose weight if you're overweight

Consult with a doctor about Joint pain

Consult with a doctor about Joint pain

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

Don’t

  • do not carry anything heavy

  • do not completely stop moving the affected joint

See a GP if:

  • joint pain is stopping you doing normal activities or affecting your sleep
  • the pain is getting worse or keeps coming back
  • the pain has not improved after treating it at home for 2 weeks
  • your joints are stiff for more than 30 minutes after waking up

Go to A&E or call 112 if:

  • you have very bad joint pain after a fall or injury
  • you're unable to walk or put weight on a joint
  • your joint has moved out of place
  • you have any tingling or you have no feeling in the area around the joint after an injury

Treatments for joint pain

Treatment for joint pain depends on what's causing it. Sometimes the pain might go away without treatment.

A GP might:

  • prescribe stronger painkillers
  • prescribe antibiotics if they think you have an infection
  • refer you for physiotherapy
  • refer you to a hospital for a scan or specialist treatment, for example steroid injections or surgery

Self-refer for treatment

If you have joint pain, you might be able to refer yourself directly to services for help with your condition without seeing a GP.

To find out if there are any services in your area:

  • ask the reception staff at your GP surgery
  • check your GP surgery's website
  • contact your integrated care board (ICB) – find your local ICB

Online doctors for Joint pain

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for Joint pain with a doctor online.

Doctor
5.0(36)

Andrei Popov

General medicinePain medicine7 years of experience

Dr. Andrei Popov is a family physician with specialized training in the management of chronic pain. He provides video consultations for adults in Spain and across Europe: whether you have been living with pain for months that no one has been able to properly explain, or you need to resolve a health issue without waiting weeks for an appointment.

His approach is clear: to listen, organize your case, and provide you with a practical roadmap based on evidence-based medicine and adapted to your medical history and personal needs.

Pain: how he can help

  • Chronic pain (more than 3 months
  • Migraine and recurrent or high-intensity headaches
  •  Neck, lower back, back and joint pain
  •  Post-traumatic pain after injuries or surgeries
  •  Pain of neurological origin: neuralgia, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia

General medicine

  • Frequent respiratory infections (cold, flu, persistent cough)
  • Hypertension, diabetes and metabolic disorders
  • Review of laboratory tests and MRI/CT reports (explained in clear language)
  • Preventive medicine and health monitoring
  • Second opinions and treatment adjustments (when clinically appropriate)

What the consultation is like
 Each session lasts up to 30 minutes. We review symptoms, medical history, medications and any tests you provide, and you finish the consultation with a clear treatment plan, defined next steps, and criteria to understand when follow-up may be needed. If warning signs are detected, he will clearly advise whether you need in-person care or urgent medical attention.

Book a video appointment
€86
Doctor
5.0(19)

Nuno Tavares Lopes

Family medicineGeneral medicine18 years of experience

Dr. Nuno Tavares Lopes is a licensed physician in Portugal with 17 years of experience in emergency medicine, family and general practice, and public health. He is the Director of Medical and Public Health Services at an international healthcare network and serves as an external consultant for the WHO and ECDC.

  • Emergency care: infections, fever, chest/abdominal pain, minor injuries, paediatric emergencies
  • Family medicine: hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, chronic disease management
  • Travel medicine: pre-travel advice, vaccinations, fit-to-fly certificates, travel-related illnesses
  • Sexual and reproductive health: PrEP, STD prevention, counselling, treatment
  • Weight management and wellness: personalised weight loss programmes, lifestyle guidance
  • Skin and ENT issues: acne, eczema, allergies, rashes, sore throat, sinusitis
  • Pain management: acute and chronic pain, post-surgical care
  • Public health: prevention, health screenings, long-term monitoring
  • Sick leave (Baixa médica) connected to Segurança Social in Portugal
  • IMT medical certificates for driving licence exchange
Dr. Nuno Tavares Lopes provides medical support for patients using GLP-1 medications (Mounjaro, Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus) as part of a weight loss strategy. He offers individualised treatment planning, regular follow-up, dose adjustment, and advice on combining medication with sustainable lifestyle changes. Consultations follow the medical standards accepted in Europe.

Dr. Lopes also provides interpretation of medical tests, follow-up care for complex patients, and multilingual support. Whether for urgent concerns or long-term care, he helps patients act with clarity and confidence.

Book a video appointment
€70

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