Guide to 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. 

If you've recently been told you have arthritis or a related condition, sign up for our specially designed email series to guide you through your next steps. Topics include what a diagnosis means, how to get more from your next appointment, what helps with pain and fatigue and what others have found helpful.

If you think you might have arthritis, you need to take steps to get a referral if you need one. We look at what to do before and during your GP appointment, wait times, and what to expect when you see a rheumatologist.

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.

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. 

Living with a long-term condition such as arthritis can affect your mental health in many ways. You may not able to socialise as much as you used to, or need help with certain tasks, and you may not be comfortable asking for help. But, with the right support and keeping connected, it's easier to cope. 

There are a range of complementary therapies you can try including movement therapies, mindfulness and therapies based on Chinese medicine such as massage, acupuncture and reflexology. These 'holistic' therapies treat the whole person to promote relaxation and wellness. 

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.

Living with arthritis can be emotional: whether you’re experiencing your first symptoms, recently diagnosed, or living with your condition for some time. Managing your emotions and finding joy in everyday life can help you to take care of your mind and body. 

If your child has been diagnosed with JIA, our guide will take you through what JIA is and what to expect in the weeks and months ahead, as well as how to support your child at each stage of their development, how to look after the rest of your family and where to go for help.

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?

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.​ 

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. Postage is free too. 

Sign up to our email newsletter to get the latest arthritis news, information and advice, including research and campaign updates, and be part of our incredible community of people living with arthritis. 

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.