Joint pain

Definition

Joint pain can affect one or more joints. See also arthritis (inflammation of joints), muscle pain, and bursitis.

Considerations

Joint pain can be caused by many types of injuries or conditions. No matter what causes it, joint pain can be very bothersome.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes stiffness and pain in the joints. Osteoarthritis involves growth of bone spurs and degeneration of cartilage at a joint. It is very common in adults older than 45 and can cause joint pain.

Joint pain may also be caused by bursitis (inflammation of the bursae). The bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion and pad bony prominences, allowing muscles and tendons to move freely over the bone.

Common Causes

• Unusual exertion or overuse, including strains or sprains
• Injury, including fracture
• Gout (especially found in the big toe)
• Osteoarthritis
• Septic arthritis
• Tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Infectious diseases, including
  • Influenza
  • Measles (rubeola)
  • Rheumatic fever
  • Epstein-Barr viral syndrome
  • Hepatitis
  • Mumps
  • Rubella (German measles)
  • Varicella (chickenpox)
• Chondromalacia patellae
• Osteomyelitis
• Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus

Home Care

Follow prescribed therapy in treating the underlying cause.

For nonarthritis joint pain, both rest and exercise are important. Warm baths, massage, and stretching exercises should be used as frequently as possible.

Anti-inflammatory medications may help relieve pain and swelling. Consult your health care provider before giving aspirin or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen to children.

Call your health care provider if

• Fever is not associated with flu symptoms
• You have involuntary weight loss of 10 pounds or more
• The joint pain persists beyond 3 days
• You have severe, unexplained joint pain especially if accompanied by other unexplained symptoms

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your health care provider will perform a physical examination. The following questions may help your provider identify the cause of your joint pain:

• Which joint hurts? Is the pain on one side or both sides?
• How long have you been having this pain? Have you had it before?
• Did this pain begin suddenly and severely -- or slowly and mildly?
• Is the pain constant or does it come and go? Has the pain become more severe?
• What started your pain -- have you injured your joint?
• Have you had an illness or fever?
• Does resting the joint reduce the pain or make it worse?
• Does moving the joint reduce the pain or make it worse?
• Are certain positions comfortable? Does keeping the joint elevated help?
• Do medications, massage, or applying heat reduce the pain?
• What other symptoms do you have?
• Is there any numbness?
• Can you bend and straighten the joint? Does the joint feel stiff?

• Blood studies -- CBC or blood differential
• Joint x-ray

Physical therapy for muscle and joint rehabilitation may be recommended.

Illustrations

Skeleton

The structure of a joint

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