Guide to diagnosis
Have you been recently diagnosed with arthritis or are you seeking a diagnosis? Find out about arthritis and treatments and the road ahead in our guide to diagnosis and how lifestyle changes can help you feel more in control.
Are you newly diagnosed? How to adapt after a diagnosis
Being diagnosed with arthritis is likely to stir up a lot of emotions. You may be shocked, anxious or even overwhelmed but we're here to support you all the way: not only with doctor's appointments, medication, lifestyle changes and managing your symptoms but supporting you to explore your options.
Ask the doctor: Newly diagnosed questions and answers
Some people can feel overwhelmed when they’re newly diagnosed with arthritis or a musculoskeletal condition. We spoke to GP, Dr Natasha Usher, about the questions she’s frequently asked by patients who’ve been recently diagnosed.
Diagnosed with arthritis: We're with you all the way
When you've just been diagnosed with arthritis, you can feel lost and alone. Like you're the only person in the world. You may have been waiting for months even years for answers but we're with you all the way.
Learn about your arthritis condition
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Axial spondyloarthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Lupus (SLE)
- JIA
- Gout
Are you a parent, teenager or young adult?
Adjusting to a new diagnosis and living with arthritis can be hard, especially for a young person. Arthritis UK has a dedicated Young People and Families Service offering information and support for parents and carers of young children and for teenagers and young adults.
Your treatment pathway
Your treatment will depend on the type of arthritis you have and your symptoms. Treatments for arthritis may include drugs, splints to protect your joints, therapies and surgery.
Arthritis treatmentsA helpful guide to the types of healthcare professionals you might see as you explore the many treatment options available to you and the journey ahead.
Who will treat you?Visiting the doctor can be a little intimidating at times and you might struggle to remember everything you want to say. Here's how to get the most out of your next appointment.
Prepare for an appointment
Are you waiting for treatment?
You may be waiting to see a specialist or you may have been referred for diagnostic tests and other treatments. This can be an anxious time and you probably have questions and concerns. Find out what you can do to help manage your physical and mental wellbeing while you’re waiting. Even small changes can make a big difference.
Consider complementary or holistic therapies
There are a range of complementary therapies you can try including movement therapies such as Tai Chi, mindfulness such as meditation and breathwork and therapies based on Chinese medicine such as massage, acupuncture and reflexology. They are also known as 'holistic' therapies because they treat the whole person in order to promote relaxation and wellness.
Managing arthritis symptoms
Pain can be a major symptom of arthritis. Find out about treatments, self-help and how to assess if your pain management is working.
Managing arthritis painIt’s common for arthritis to cause fatigue. Find out what fatigue is, what causes fatigue and how you can manage it.
Managing fatigueTips for managing stiffness, including therapies like wax bath therapy, hydrotherapy, and exercises for healthy joints.
Managing stiffness
Self-help tips to relieve arthritis pain
Pain can be a major arthritis symptom. You may have good days and bad days, flare ups and setbacks. But finding out about understanding your pain can be useful and there are ways to manage it, including pacing yourself, protecting your joints and finding time to relax.
How Arthritis UK can help you
Did you know Arthritis UK has groups, events and online information sessions to support you. Find out what’s going on online and how you can get help and support close to home.
What's on in your areaChat online to other people who are waiting for a diagnosis or recently diagnosed in our community forum where you can share tips, get advice and find new friends.
Visit our community forumOur helpline is open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). We will offer you information, advice and emotional support around your diagnosis.
Call our helpline
Did you know we have online information sessions?
Our live online information sessions can help you take back control, feel more confident and live life on your terms. In our supportive workshops, you can learn more about your condition, how to manage pain, fatigue and anxiety, sleep better and explore healthy ways in which you can move more.
Why not sign up for an online information session today?
Diagnosed in November 2019, Melissa is living with seronegative inflammatory arthritis. She shares her experiences of being newly diagnosed and studying for university.
Read Melissa's storyDiagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2020, Mia's diagnosis came completely out of the blue and, working as a baker, her symptoms impacted her job. She offers helpful advice based on her lived experience.
Read Mia's story
Is there a cure for arthritis?
We have invested over £550m into arthritis research over the last few decades, making us one of the largest global funders. Our research breakthroughs have changed the lives of millions of people worldwide through the discovery of new treatments and approaches to care.
Order our FREE information booklets
From information about your condition to treatments, surgery, exercise and keeping well, we have a range of information booklets packed full of useful tips and advice that are FREE to download or order by post in our shop. Plus shipping is free too.
Get Inspire magazine delivered to your door for just £3 a month
Inspire is a quarterly 44-page magazine created especially for people with arthritis. Every edition is packed with in-depth articles, produced by experts, covering what matters most to people living with arthritis, from updates on the latest research breakthroughs, to top tips for managing your symptoms. All for just £3 a month.