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Joint pain
Long-standing knee, hip and shoulder pain is most often due to wear of the joint (osteoarthritis) or, in the shoulder, a stiff 'frozen' shoulder.
Common symptoms
- Pain on walking, climbing stairs or lifting the arm
- Stiffness, especially in the morning
- Swelling or a grinding feeling
- Pain at night
How it is assessed
The doctor examines the joint and reviews X-rays, and checks for inflammatory arthritis, which needs different treatment.
Possible options
- Exercise, weight management and physiotherapy — the foundation of care
- Pain medicines used carefully
- For selected patients: joint injections or radiofrequency treatment of the nerves around the knee or shoulder
- Referral to an orthopaedic surgeon when joint replacement may be the better choice
What to keep in mind
Injections and procedures can reduce pain for months but do not rebuild a worn joint. X-ray changes do not always match how much it hurts.
Seek urgent help if
- A hot, red, swollen joint, especially with fever
- Being unable to bear weight after an injury
- Sudden deformity of a joint
Next step
Bring your X-rays and a list of treatments you have tried to your consultation.
Request an assessmentGeneral information only. Your doctor will advise what suits you.