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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.

If these symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

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.

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Doctor

Chikeluo Okeke

General medicine 4 years exp.

Dr Chikeluo Okeke is an internal medicine doctor with extensive international clinical experience. Originally from Nigeria, he has worked across multiple European healthcare systems and currently practises in Sweden. This professional path has given him a strong understanding of different medical approaches and the ability to work effectively with patients from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Dr Okeke focuses on general internal medicine and adult primary care, combining clinical accuracy with careful attention to lifestyle, personal context, and everyday health concerns. His consultations are particularly well suited for people who seek medical advice online, live abroad, or need clear guidance without unnecessary complexity.

He provides online consultations covering symptom assessment, prevention, and long-term management of chronic conditions, helping patients understand what is happening and decide on appropriate next steps.

Common reasons for consultation:

  • General internal medicine concerns and initial health assessment.
  • Acute symptoms such as fever, cough, infections, pain, or weakness.
  • Chronic conditions and treatment adjustment.
  • Blood pressure issues, fatigue, metabolic concerns.
  • Preventive consultations and routine check-ups.
  • Interpretation of laboratory results and medical reports.
  • Medical advice for patients receiving care online.

Dr Okeke is known for his clear communication, calm approach, and cultural awareness. He listens carefully, explains medical decisions in a structured way, and supports patients in making informed choices about their health.

Online consultations with Dr Chikeluo Okeke offer reliable internal medicine care without geographic limitations, focused on medical relevance, clarity, and patient comfort.

5.0 (2)
Doctor

Svetlana Kolomeeva

Cardiology 18 years exp.

Dr. Svetlana Kolomeeva is a general practitioner and internal medicine doctor providing online consultations for adults. She helps patients manage acute symptoms, chronic conditions, and preventive care. Her clinical focus includes cardiovascular health, hypertension control, and managing symptoms like fatigue, weakness, sleep issues, and overall low energy.

Patients commonly seek her help for:

  • High blood pressure, headaches, dizziness, swelling, palpitations.
  • Diagnosis and management of hypertension, arrhythmias, and tachycardia.
  • Metabolic syndrome, excess weight, high cholesterol.
  • Chronic fatigue, insomnia, poor concentration, anxiety.
  • Respiratory symptoms: colds, flu, sore throat, cough, fever.
  • Digestive issues: heartburn, bloating, constipation, IBS symptoms.
  • Chronic conditions: diabetes, thyroid disorders.
  • Interpretation of lab tests and medical reports, therapy adjustment.
  • Second opinion and decision-making support.
  • Cardiovascular disease prevention and metabolic risk reduction.
  • Long-term follow-up and dynamic health monitoring.

Dr Kolomeeva combines clinical expertise with personalised care. She clearly explains diagnoses, guides patients through symptoms and treatment options, and provides actionable plans. Her consultations are designed not only to address current complaints but also to stabilise chronic conditions and prevent future complications. She supports patients through every stage of care – from first symptoms to ongoing health management.

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Doctor

Karim BenHarbi

General medicine 9 years exp.

Dr. Karim Ben Harbi is a licensed general practitioner based in Italy. He provides online consultations for adults and children, combining international clinical experience with evidence-based medicine. His care approach is focused on accurate diagnosis, preventive care, and personalised health guidance.

Dr. Ben Harbi received his medical degree from Sapienza University in Rome. His training included hands-on experience in diverse settings — tropical medicine, rural healthcare, and urban outpatient practice. He also conducted clinical research in microbiology, exploring the role of the gut microbiome in chronic gastrointestinal issues.

You can consult Dr. Ben Harbi for:

  • General health concerns, prevention, and primary care.
  • Hypertension, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, metabolic issues.
  • Cold, cough, flu, respiratory infections, sore throat, fever.
  • Chronic digestive issues: bloating, gastritis, IBS, microbiome imbalance.
  • Skin rashes, mild allergic reactions, basic dermatological complaints.
  • Medication guidance, treatment adjustments, prescription review.
  • Paediatric concerns — fever, infections, general well-being.
  • Lifestyle optimisation: stress, sleep, weight, and diet counselling.

Dr. Ben Harbi offers reliable, accessible medical support through online consultations, helping patients make informed decisions about their health with a clear, structured, and compassionate approach.

5.0 (32)
Doctor

Anna Biriukova

General medicine 6 years exp.

Dr Anna Biriukova is an internal medicine doctor with clinical experience in cardiology, endocrinology, and gastroenterology. She provides online consultations for adults, offering expert medical support for heart health, hormonal balance, digestive issues, and general internal medicine.

Cardiology – Diagnosis and treatment of:

  • High blood pressure, blood pressure fluctuations, and cardiovascular risk prevention.
  • Chest pain, shortness of breath, arrhythmias (tachycardia, bradycardia, palpitations).
  • Leg swelling, chronic fatigue, reduced exercise tolerance.
  • EKG interpretation, lipid profile evaluation, cardiovascular risk assessment (heart attack, stroke).
  • Post-COVID-19 cardiac monitoring and care.
Endocrinology – Diabetes, thyroid, metabolism:
  • Diagnosis and management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and prediabetes.
  • Individual treatment plans including oral medications and insulin therapy.
  • GLP-1 therapy– modern pharmacological treatment for weight management and diabetes control, including drug selection, monitoring, and safety follow-up.
  • Thyroid disorders – hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, autoimmune thyroid diseases (Hashimoto’s, Graves’ disease).
  • Metabolic syndrome – obesity, lipid disorders, insulin resistance.
Gastroenterology – Digestive health:
  • Abdominal pain, nausea, heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux (GERD).
  • Stomach and intestinal conditions: gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), indigestion.
  • Management of chronic digestive disorders and interpretation of tests (endoscopy, ultrasound, labs).
General internal medicine and preventive care:
  • Respiratory infections – cough, colds, bronchitis.
  • Lab test analysis, therapy adjustments, medication management.
  • Adult vaccinations – planning, contraindications assessment.
  • Cancer prevention – screening strategies and risk assessment.
  • Holistic approach – symptom relief, complication prevention, and quality of life improvement.
Dr Biriukova combines internal medicine with specialist insight, offering clear explanations, personalised treatment plans, and comprehensive care tailored to each patient.
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