It’s a good idea to see a healthcare provider if pain lasts more than a few weeks, limits daily activities, causes night pain, or if your joint feels unstable, weak, or suddenly worse.

A balance works best. Avoid pushing through sharp or intense pain, but gentle movement (like stretching or easy walking) can help reduce stiffness and improve recovery.

No—the right exercise usually helps. Low-impact activities like walking, cycling, swimming, stretching, and strengthening can improve mobility and reduce pain. The key is to start slowly and avoid movements that trigger sharp pain.

Many people find relief through gentle exercise, strength training, heat/cold therapy, supportive footwear, pacing activities, and guidance from a physiotherapist. Some may also use medication prescribed by a healthcare provider. For severe cases, hydrolonic injections into the joint may provide pain relief, as well as keep moving with physical activity.

Early signs can include mild joint pain after activity, morning stiffness that lasts less than 30 minutes, swelling, or a feeling of joint “grinding.” Symptoms often come and go at first.