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Patient Questions  /  When to worry about joint pain

Bone Health & Surgery

When Should I Worry About Joint Pain?

Most joint aches from overuse, minor strains or osteoarthritis are not emergencies. Get care quickly if a joint is hot, red and swollen, especially with fever, if you can't use it or put weight on it after an injury, or if it looks out of place. Several swollen, stiff joints with long morning stiffness also need a doctor's check.

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Joint pain that is usually less worrying

  • It aches after activity and settles with rest.
  • It feels stiff at first, then loosens up as you move.
  • It is in one or two joints and has been slowly changing over time.
  • You feel well otherwise, with no fever or weight loss.

This kind of pain is common, and it is often helped by exercise, staying active and pacing. It's still worth getting checked if it isn't improving after a few weeks or is stopping you from doing things you care about.

Signs to see a doctor soon

  • Several joints swollen at once, especially the small joints of the hands or feet, with morning stiffness that lasts more than an hour. This can be inflammatory arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, which does best with early treatment.
  • Sudden, very painful swelling in one joint, like the big toe, which can be gout.
  • Joint pain with a rash, eye problems, or feeling generally unwell.
  • A joint that keeps locking or giving way.

When to see a doctor

Get emergency or same-day care if you have:

  • A hot, red, swollen joint with fever or chills
  • A joint that looks out of place, or that you can't move after an injury
  • You can't put weight on your leg after a fall
  • Joint pain with numbness, coldness or a pale or blue color below it
  • Calf pain, swelling or warmth, which needs to be checked for a blood clot

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A physical therapist screens for these warning signs and will send you to a doctor if something needs a closer look. For everyday joint pain, they can build a plan of exercise, activity pacing and hands-on care to help you stay active.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

Read our full guide: Osteoarthritis and joint pain →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026