Your NHS journey

Who's who?

Meet the team whose help will be on offer:

1. Your GP

   The person you will see the most is your GP. He or she will monitor your symptoms and medicines. The GP can also refer you to different healthcare professionals who can help with different aspects of your condition.

2. A chiropodist and podiatrist

   These are specialists in foot problems. If osteoarthritis affects your feet a chiropodist or podiatrist can give you advice on what type of footwear will help ease your symptoms. They also give advice on caring for your feet properly, minor surgery, and devices, such as insoles, that can help keep your feet healthy.

3. An occupational therapist (OT)

   An OT specialises in helping people manage their day to day activities and staying independent. For example, if you have problems getting into and out of the bath, an occupational therapist may advise what adaptations you can make in your bathroom to make this easier. There are lots of gadgets and devices that can help people who have osteoarthritis an occupational therapist will look at how you manage and advise you what might help in your situation.

4. An orthopaedic surgeon

   Orthopaedic surgeons are specialist doctors trained in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect bones, joints and soft tissues. They also treat injuries such as broken bones or hips. If you GP thinks you might need surgery to have a hip or knee joint replaced you will usually be referred to an orthopaedic surgeon to be assessed. The surgeon carries out both minor and major surgery, such as hip replacements, bunion surgery and operation in broken bones.

5. A physiotherapist

   A physio uses exercise and other physical treatment - like massage or heat packs - to reduce symptoms. If your GP thinks you could benefit from exercises that help to improve the strength of your muscles, for example, he or she may refer you to a physiotherapist.

6. An orthotist

   An orthotist designs and fits devices, such as splints and braces, that can give your body extra support if you have a particular weakness. For example, if the muscles in your foot have become very weak from osteoarthritis, an orthotist might be able to make you special shoes that allow you to keep walking.

Seeing your GP

If you have been getting painful and stiff joints you will need to go and see your GP. He or she will ask you questions about your health in general and about the symptoms you have been getting. Your GP will probably look at and feel your joints in order to decide whether you have osteoarthritis. The doctor will then talk with you about the condition and discuss what course of treatment you need.

Tests you might need

Your GP might send you to have an x-ray of your joint or joints to get a clearer idea of what is happening in your joints. You may also have a blood test to check whether another condition is causing or contributing to your symptoms.