Getting out of bed, opening a jar, or walking down the stairs shouldn’t take a mental pep talk. For many people, though, joint pain can turn simple tasks into something they have to brace for. It is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor, and it can affect people of all ages.
Younger athletes may deal with joint pain after an injury, while older adults may experience it as part of aging. Even a weekend gardener can end up with a sore shoulder or knee after a busy day outside.
Sometimes joint pain goes away on its own after a day or two. In other cases, it lasts longer and may point to an underlying condition.
Since several different problems can cause similar symptoms, it is not always easy to tell what is behind the pain. Below are some of the most common causes to know about.
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis develops slowly, usually over years, as the cartilage that cushions your joints wears down with repeated use. As that padding becomes thinner, the bones can rub against each other, leading to pain and stiffness.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and often affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Age, previous injuries, extra body weight, and genetics can all increase your risk.
Rheumatoid arthritis is different because it is an autoimmune condition. Your immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of your joints, causing inflammation that can damage cartilage and bone over time. RA often affects the same joints on both sides of your body and can develop at any age, including during childhood.
Both types of arthritis can cause joint pain and morning stiffness. You may also notice that a joint feels stiff or does not move as easily as it used to.
Read also: Why Most Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatments Don’t Give You the Relief You Deserve
Injuries and Overuse
Sometimes the cause of joint pain is easy to identify. You may roll your ankle on the stairs or twist your knee during a run. Sprains and strains happen when ligaments or muscles are stretched or torn, and the nearby joint is often where you first notice the pain.
Athletes deal with these injuries often, but repeated movements can also put stress on your joints. Typing, kneeling while gardening, lifting boxes at work, or spending hours looking down at your phone can all strain the same areas repeatedly.
When a joint is overworked without enough time to recover, your body can respond with inflammation. This can lead to the swelling and soreness you notice after a long run or a busy weekend of yard work.
If the joint does not get enough time to recover, the pain and inflammation can continue and become more persistent.
Tendinitis and Bursitis
Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon, the tissue that connects muscle to bone. Bursitis is inflammation of the small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joints.
Both conditions can cause pain around a joint and often affect the same areas, including the shoulder, elbow, hip, and knee. Examples include rotator cuff tendinitis in the shoulder and tennis or golfer’s elbow.
These conditions are common in people who repeat certain movements, such as overhead activities, kneeling, or running. However, they can also develop without an obvious cause.
Gout
Gout develops when uric acid crystals build up inside a joint. It most often affects the big toe, but you can also develop gout in the ankles, knees, and other joints.
Your body produces uric acid as it breaks down purines, which are found in certain foods and drinks. Your kidneys normally remove excess uric acid through urine, but when too much builds up, sharp crystals can form inside a joint.
A gout flare can come on quickly, sometimes overnight. The affected joint may become red, warm, swollen, and very painful. In some cases, even light pressure, such as a bedsheet touching your toe, can feel extremely uncomfortable. Flares can last for several days or even weeks, and they may return if uric acid levels remain high.
Infections and Inflammation
Joints can also become painful because of an infection called septic arthritis. Bacteria, viruses, or fungi can enter a joint through the bloodstream, an injury, or after surgery, causing sudden pain and swelling.
You may also develop a fever or chills along with the joint symptoms. Because an infected joint can damage cartilage and bone within days if left untreated, sudden joint pain with swelling and fever needs prompt medical attention.
Other Conditions and Habits
Arthritis, injuries, tendinitis, gout, and infections account for many cases of joint pain, but there are other possible causes. Autoimmune conditions such as lupus and psoriatic arthritis can cause joint pain along with other symptoms. An old injury can also cause problems later, particularly if the joint did not fully recover.
Your daily habits can affect your joints, too. Extra body weight can put more stress on the hips and knees, while a diet high in processed foods and added sugar may contribute to inflammation in the body. Long periods of sitting can also leave your joints stiff and your muscles less prepared for daily movement.
Read also: Why Autoimmune Diseases are on the Rise
Know When It’s Time to See a Specialist
While joint pain caused by a minor sprain typically improves within a few days, certain symptoms may point to a problem that needs further evaluation:
- Pain that lasts for several weeks or continues to get worse
- Noticeable swelling, redness, or warmth around a joint
- Trouble moving a joint through its normal range or putting weight on it
- Joint pain along with fever, chills, or feeling unwell
- Pain after a fall or collision that does not improve with rest
Get to the Root of Your Joint Pain
Joint pain that continues or occurs along with swelling, fever, or trouble moving the joint should not be ignored. These symptoms can provide important information about what may be causing your pain.
At Dr. Kevin’s Wellness Clinic, we look beyond symptom relief and use advanced testing to investigate the true causes of joint pain. We have treated patients across Acadiana and beyond for joint pain, autoimmune conditions, arthritis, and other conditions, with an approach focused on addressing the underlying cause rather than only treating the discomfort. Book a call with us now to start your journey towards lasting relief.