Joint Pain

Causes of Joint Pain

Pain arising from the joints is often a result of inflammation or wear and tear, which develops over time with age or if the joint is overused (e.g. heavy lifting, constant standing). Injuries and illnesses are contributors of joint pain as well.

Arthritis is one of the most common causes of joint pain, and is characterized by the inflammation of the joints. However, arthritis is not one disease – it has over 100 variations, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Other causes of joint pains include:

• Bursitis (inflammation of the joint cushions)
• Cancer (abnormal cell growth)
• Chondromalacia patellae (deterioration of the cartilage in the kneecap)
• Fibromyalgia (chronic musculoskeletal pain)
• Gout (arthritis caused by excess uric acid)
• Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)
• Influenza (commonly called the flu)

• Lupus (chronic autoimmune illness)
• Mumps (viral infection affecting the salivary gland)
• Osteomyelitis (infection of the bone)
• Osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones)
• Rickets (soft bones due to vitamin D deficiency)
• Sarcoidosis (inflammatory disease that usually targets the lungs and lymph glands)
• Tendinitis (inflammation of a tendon)

In these cases, joint pain is a symptom of an underlying, more serious illness. As such, it is important to seek proper medical attention if the pain persists or if it is accompanied by other symptoms.

Diagnosis of Joint Pain

To ensure that the pain experienced in the joints is not linked to a more serious illness, the doctor will perform a physical examination and ask a series of questions related to the pain, such as its intensity and frequency. The affected joint will be checked for redness, tenderness, warmth and inflammation. Flexibility and mobility are also checked.

If the doctor suggests that the pain is due to something more serious, then blood tests and sedimentation rate tests may be performed. These will help detect autoimmune disorders and inflammation in the body. Additionally, X-rays can be conducted.

Joint Pain Treatment

On top of pain relief medications and lifestyle changes, other treatments can include surgical procedures such as:

Joint aspiration

A needle and syringe are used to extract fluid from the inflamed joint. This is done to reduce swelling and to collect fluid samples for further testing and diagnosis.

Joint replacement

This procedure involves taking part or all of the affected joint, and replacing it with a prosthesis to maintain function.