What Causes Joint Pain?

Joint pain is a common problem that affects people of all ages and activities. Affecting approximately 30 percent of the population, joint pain can range from minor discomfort to debilitating pain that affects your range of motion and quality of life. If you’ve been experiencing joint pain, you may be wondering what is causing it. Here are a few of the more common causes of joint pain.

Arthritis

A common cause of joint pain is arthritis. There are over 100 types of arthritis, but the two more common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the wear and tear on the joints that often comes with aging. It’s caused by the breakdown of cartilage (the protective material between bones) in the joints, leading to pain and swelling. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the joints, leading to stiffness and pain.

Injury or Trauma

Beyond arthritis, injury or trauma is a common cause of joint pain. An injury can lead to inflammation in the joints, resulting in pain and swelling. Injuries from sports or other physical activities, such as sprained ligaments and strained muscles, are common. Everyday activities such as gardening and carrying heavy objects can also lead to pain and injury in the joints.

Infection

In some cases, joint pain can be caused by an infection. Bacterial and fungal infections are the most common causes, but viral infections can also cause joint swelling and pain. These infections tend to affect one or more joints and the joints themselves can swell, become red and be hot and tender to the touch.

Systemic Diseases

Another potential cause of joint pain is a systemic disease, such as lupus or gout. Systemic diseases tend to affect multiple joints at a time, resulting in pain and inflammation, and may require specialized treatments to address. In some cases, long term medications may be necessary to help manage the symptoms.

When to See a Doctor for Joint Pain

If you’ve been experiencing joint pain, it’s important to seek medical attention. Your doctor will be able to help diagnose the source of the pain and provide treatment. Treatment can include prescription medications, both to address any underlying condition and to help relieve symptoms such as pain and inflammation. In some cases, physical therapy and lifestyle modifications can be used to help manage symptoms and improve the range of motion in the joints.

By taking the time to understand what may be causing your joint pain, you can take the steps needed to get the relief you need. Consulting with your doctor can help you develop an effective treatment plan so you can start feeling better as soon as possible.