Stinging nettles could be the answer to relieving the pain of arthritis new research shows.

Arthritis is a long-term condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffening of joints, which usually affects the hands, feet and wrists.

The two most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, according to the NHS.

Symptoms usually include:

Joint pain, tenderness and stiffness

Inflammation in and around the joints

Restricted movement of the joints

Warm, red skin over the affected joint

Weakness and muscle wasting

New research from Arthritis UK suggests that stinging nettles could provide an effective therapy to relieve the pain of arthritis.

A spokesman from Arthritis UK said: “Stinging nettle is applied to the skin to give a counterirritant effect which can override musculoskeletal pain.”

There is no cure for arthritis but nettles are a very good anti-inflammatory and therefore a less invasive way of treating it than steroids or other medication.

Dr Josh Axe, a clinical nutritionist, told the Express that applying a nettle leaf to the location of arthritis pain, or drinking nettle soup to take advantage of the anti-inflammatory benefits.

You can get nettles for free in your garden, or buy nettle soup to help alleviate the discomfort.