Joint Pain

Joint pain can affect one or multiple joints and is a common complaint, particularly with age. It can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain and may be caused by injury, illness, or inflammation.

Common Causes of Joint Pain:

1. Arthritis:

Osteoarthritis: Degeneration of cartilage due to wear and tear, commonly affecting the knees, hips, hands, and spine.

Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune condition where the body attacks the lining of the joints, leading to inflammation.

Gout: Sudden, severe attacks of joint pain caused by uric acid crystal buildup, typically affecting the big toe.

Psoriatic arthritis: Linked to psoriasis, causing joint inflammation.



2. Injury:

Sprains: Damage to ligaments around joints.

Fractures: Bone injuries that can lead to joint pain, especially during healing.

Dislocations: Displaced bones in a joint causing pain and swelling.



3. Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints, often caused by repetitive movement.


4. Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons connecting muscles to bones, often seen in the shoulders, elbows, and knees.


5. Infections:

Septic arthritis: Infection inside a joint, leading to severe pain, swelling, and redness.

Lyme disease: A bacterial infection from tick bites that can lead to joint pain.



6. Autoimmune Diseases:

Lupus: A chronic autoimmune disease affecting joints and other body systems.

Ankylosing spondylitis: Inflammation of the spine and large joints.



7. Other Conditions:

Fibromyalgia: A condition causing widespread pain, often including joint pain.

Hypothyroidism: Underactive thyroid can lead to joint and muscle pain.