Joint Pains: Comprehensive Guide

By revati raman

Reviewed by : Jalaz Jain

May 16, 2023

Are your joints causing you some serious grief? Then this comprehensive guide is just right for you to know about joint pain, from causes and symptoms to treatment options available.

So, don’t worry and get ready to say goodbye to that pesky joint pain!

What is a joint?

A joint, also known as an articulation, is a point of contact between two or more bones. Every bone in the body, except the hyoid bone in the throat, meets at least one other bone at a joint.

Joint allows for movement and is essential for our daily activities. The shape of a joint is dependent on its function.

They are differentiated into three types based on their degree of movement: immovable, slightly movable, and freely movable. Additionally, joints can be classified based on their material structure, including fibrous, cartilage, and synovial.

The higher the possible movement in a joint, the higher the risk of injury.

What causes joint pain?

Causes of Joint Pain	Common Joints Affected	Duration	Symptoms
Osteoarthritis	All joints, hands, hips, knees	Chronic	Worsening pain with movement
Rheumatoid arthritis	Hands, wrists, knees	Chronic, acute flares	Worsening pain at rest

Joint pain can refer to discomfort, ache, or soreness in any joint. Various factors can trigger it, such as injury, disease, and age-related degeneration.

Arthritis is a common cause of joint pain, with symptoms including inflammation, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. Polyarthralgia is a condition characterized by pain in multiple joints.

As we age, it becomes more frequent due to the natural wear and tear on our joints from daily activities.

Some common causes of joint pain are:

As one ages, joint pain becomes more prevalent. In adults, arthritis is one of the major causes, with a prevalence rate of 22% to 39% of osteoarthritis.

Many possible causes of joint pain in adults affect more than one joint. Some of the common causes are:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease resulting from the cartilage’s wear and tear. It can affect all joints but is most common in the knee, hands, hip, and spine.

It progresses with age, and there is no cure, but the pain can be managed.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

It is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that causes inflammation, pain, and swelling in the joints. The pain can range from mild to severe and worsens on rest, especially in the morning.

If left untreated, it can become chronic and damage the tissue. It can also affect the lung, heart, and eyes over time.

Body Infection

Sometimes, a viral or flu infection can cause joint pain that affects five or more joints. This can cause swelling, redness, and loss of movement in the joints.

Psoriatic Arthritis

This is a type of arthritis that occurs in people with psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches. It causes inflammation, pain, and swelling in the joints, ranging from mild to severe.

It can also affect the tendons and ligaments and can cause disability.

Reactive Arthritis

It is a joint inflammation that occurs as a reaction to an infection in another part of the body, usually the gut or bladder. It causes stiff, swollen joints and mild to severe pain and can inflame the tendons and ligaments.

Gout

It is one of the types of arthritis that results from the build-up of uric acid in the blood.

It causes severe pain and inflammation, and the big toe is mostly affected. However, it can also affect other joints.

Ankylosing Spondylitis

This is a lifelong arthritis that mainly affects the lower back and spine, but it can also affect other joints.

It causes the joints to join together and become one bone, and the exact causes are unknown, and there is no cure.

Connective Tissue Diseases

Various connective tissue diseases affect the body’s tissues and can cause pain and inflammation in the tendons and ligaments. Examples include systemic lupus erythematosus and scleroderma.

Vitamin-D Deficiency

A lack of vitamin D can also cause joint pain, which can become severe with age.

Menopause

Joint and muscle pain are common symptoms of menopause and can affect multiple joints. The most commonly affected joints are the elbow, knee, shoulder, neck, and hands.

Cause of joint pain in adults (affecting just one joint)

Joint pain is a common complaint, and various factors can cause it. In some cases, only one joint may be affected. Here are some possible causes of joint pain that affects only one joint:

Joint and Bone infection

Septic arthritis or osteomyelitis are bone infections that can cause joint pain and tenderness. Septic arthritis is a common but serious infection that occurs when bacteria enter the joint through the bloodstream.

Other infections: Lyme disease, caused by borrelia bacteria, can lead to joint swelling, most often in the knees.

Injury

Joint pain can be caused by dislocation, fracture or sprain. This type of injury is often due to accidents or sports.

It can affect various joint parts, including the cartilage, bone, ligament, tendon, and muscles. Joint pain caused by injury can be acute or chronic, depending on the severity of the injury.

Leukaemia

Joint and bone pain can be a symptom of leukaemia, cancer that begins in the bone marrow. Cancerous bone marrow cells enter the bloodstream and can cause pain in the affected joint.

Paget’s Disease of Bone

This condition impacts the structure of bones leading to joint pain, even without other symptoms. In Paget’s Disease, bone turnover is faster than normal, leading to new and abnormal bone formation.

Joint Pain Causes in Children and Teenagers

In children and teenagers, joint pain can be due to various reasons:

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)

It is the type of arthritis that affects children under 16 and causes persistent joint inflammation, swollen and painful joints, and stiffness that worsens in the morning or at rest.

It can last for six weeks or longer and maybe a long-term condition that cannot be cured.

Sinding-Larsen Johansson disease

This knee condition affects teenagers and causes pain in the front of the knee, requiring monthly rest. The symptoms can persist for some time.

Osgood-Schlatter disease

The condition leads to swelling and pain just below the knee, common in sporty teenagers. The pain is acute and caused by repeated, excessive use of the quadriceps muscles.

This rare immune-mediated condition causes blood vessel inflammation, leading to joint pain, skin rash, and abdominal pain. While not usually serious, it can cause kidney damage.

Growing pains

It is a common condition that causes aches, mostly in the legs, but it is not serious and goes away in time.

The pain occurs in the evening or at night and is felt between joints, not in the joints themselves. The actual cause is unknown, affecting children aged 3-12 years.

Hip pain

Underlying conditions like septic arthritis can cause hip pain in children and teenagers, which can be a serious issue. Irritable hip is another cause of hip pain, lasting a few weeks.

Who is more likely to experience joint pain?

Joint pain can affect anyone, but some factors increase the likelihood of developing joint pain. Some factors that may make it likely to develop joint pain are:

Age : Joint pain can occur at any age, but the risk increases with growing age. It is common in middle-aged and older adults due to the wear and tear of joints over time.

Gender : Women are more likely to develop joint pain than men. Hormonal changes during a woman’s life, such as pregnancy and menopause, can affect joint health.

Previous Injury: A previous joint injury can increase the risk of developing the pain. People with joint injuries are seven times more likely to develop arthritis.

Weight : Excess weight puts pressure on joints, particularly the knees. This can increase the risk of developing joint pain and osteoarthritis.

Medical Condition : Chronic medical conditions such as arthritis can cause joint stiffness and pain that gradually progresses over time.

Occupation : People whose jobs require excess muscle and joint usage, such as athletes, construction workers, and nurses, are more likely to develop joint pain.

If you are experiencing joint pain, it’s essential to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Check out this video to learn how to treat joint pain:

How is joint pain treated?

There are various ways to treat joint pain, from medications and therapies to at-home remedies. The severity of the condition determines the right treatment.

Medications

Medication	Availability	Classification	Forms
Naproxen	OTC, Rx	NSAIDs	Tablets, Capsules
Ibuprofen	OTC, Rx	NSAIDs	Tablets, Capsules

Various medications are available to provide relief from joint pain. Your doctor will examine your condition to provide the right one for you.

When are they used?

Medications for joint pain are typically used to reduce inflammation, manage pain, and improve joint mobility. They can be used for short-term or long-term use, depending on the underlying cause of the joint pain.

Always follow your doctor’s instructions to avoid any complications

How they work

Certain medications for joint pain work by blocking the release of cyclooxygenase (COX) 1 and 2, leading to inflammation, swelling, and pain.

The medications travel to the stomach. It is then absorbed into the bloodstream and reaches the site of pain where it shows its effect.

Types of medications

Topical Agents

Topical agents can be applied directly on the skin of the affected joint to relieve the pain. It can be in the form of cream, sprays, ointments or patches.

When are they used?

Topical analgesic drugs can effectively relieve acute to chronic joint pain. It’s best used for hand and knee joint pain.

Moreover, when combined with oral medications, they help ease pain faster.

How they work

The spray, ointment, or cream is directly applied to the skin in this treatment option. The skin absorbs the active ingredients available in them.

It penetrates through the vein and reaches the joint to help relieve the pain.

Types

Topical anaesthetics are easily available without a prescription and produce a numbing sensation on the applied area. These agents are available as gel, cream, spray, or patch.

Capsaicin works by overwhelming the nerve cell and reducing the pain message chemicals, thus reducing the pain sensation. However, it can cause a burning sensation in the applied area. It comes in cream or gel form.

Salicylates are a derivative of aspirin and but have a different mechanism for treating minor joint pain. These agents are also available in the form of a cream or gel.

Counterirritants contain ingredients such as methanol or camphor, which produce a cooling sensation and distract the brain from feeling pain. These agents come in the form of a gel or cream.

Topical NSAIDs work the same way as oral NSAIDs, blocking the production of pain-signalling chemicals. These agents can be obtained with a prescription from a doctor.

Check out the list of effective topical agents used for joint pain:

Diclofenac (Voltaren)

Tiger Balm

Bengay

Icy Hot

Aspercreme

Capzasin-HP

Sportscreme Deep Penetrating Pain Relieving Rub

Lidocaine

Biofreeze

Gabapentin

Consult your healthcare provider before using topical agents for joint pain especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking other medications.

Injections

Injections can help provide immediate and effective results. They are an incredible alternative option for over-the-counter oral medications.

When are they used?

People of all ages can be administered the injections for joint pain. They help to manage pain and treat swollen or inflamed joints.

How they work

In this treatment method, the medication is directly injected into the affected area, relieving pain much quicker.

The injections can be administered in three ways:

Directly into the joint

Close to the joint, into the soft tissue

Into the muscle

A doctor or a trained healthcare professional should give the injections.

Types

There are various types of injections available to treat joint pain. Some of these are:

Corticosteroid s: These injections contain a strong anti-inflammatory medication similar to the natural hormone cortisol. They are used to treat severe pain and may require fluid removal. They have low dosages and rare side effects and are usually given 3-4 times yearly.

Hyaluronic acid: Also known as gel injections, these injections are a better option for diabetic patients. Hyaluronic acid is a chemical similar to the natural joint fluid and provides natural viscosity. These injections can relieve four to five months and are given in series.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): It involves taking a patient’s blood, separating it using a centrifuge, and injecting the platelet-rich plasma into the affected joint.

Stem cells: These cells can develop into multiple cell types and replace dead cells. They are sourced from the patient’s body tissue and isolated in a lab. They are then made to develop into specific kinds of cells and injected into the bloodstream.

Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy	Medication
Targets root cause	✓	x
Reduces inflammation	✓	✓
Results in long-term relief	✓	x
Improves physical health	✓	x

Physical therapy, along with medications, is an effective option for joint pain. It can aid in symptom management, enhance physical function, and increase mobility.

When used?

Physical therapy is commonly used for joint pain caused by arthritis, tendinitis, and bursitis. It is also recommended after joint replacement surgery to aid in the recovery process.

A physical therapist can help alleviate joint pain by designing exercise programs that improve range of motion, flexibility, and strength.

How it works

A combination of stretching exercises helps to smoothen joint movement and relieve pain. Hence it helps to increase the movement and bending of joints.

Types

Some types of physical therapy are:

Weight machines can help strengthen muscles around the joints.

Aerobic exercise machines like stationary bikes or ellipticals can improve cardiovascular health while being low-impact on joints.

Foam rollers can be used for self-massage to help alleviate muscle tension and soreness.

Exercise balls can be used for balance and stability exercises to improve joint strength and mobility.

Resistance bands can be used for low-impact resistance training to improve muscle strength around the joints.

Physical Therapy vs Medications

It’s important to note that both physical therapy and medication can play important roles in managing joint pain. The best approach will depend on the individual’s unique situation.

A healthcare professional can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Home Care

Following below-mentioned mentioned home care tips below can help manage joint pains.

Exercise regularly : Low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling can help improve joint mobility and reduce pain. Stretching and strength-training exercises can also help.

Maintain a healthy weight : Excess weight puts more pressure on joints and can exacerbate joint pain. Maintaining a healthy weight can help alleviate pain and improve overall joint health.

Use heat and cold therapy : Applying heat or cold to affected joints can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. A warm compress or heating pad can help relax muscles and improve circulation, while a cold compress or ice pack can help numb pain and reduce swelling.

Practice good posture: Maintaining good posture can help reduce joint strain and alleviate pain. Make sure to sit up straight and avoid slouching.

Get enough rest : Getting adequate rest is important for managing joint pain. Make sure to get enough sleep each night and take breaks throughout the day to rest and relax.

Use assistive devices : Using assistive devices like braces, splints, or canes can help reduce pain and improve mobility.

Home care tips can help manage joint pain, but it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive treatment plan.

Alternative Treatments

Apart from medical and physical therapies, various alternative treatment options are available to treat joint pain. Some of the types of alternative treatment options for joint pain are:

Hot and cold therapy : Applying heat or cold to affected joints can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. A warm compress or heating pad can help relax muscles and improve circulation, while a cold compress or ice pack can help numb pain and reduce swelling.

Acupuncture : This traditional Chinese medicine practice involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. Some studies have suggested that acupuncture can help reduce joint pain and improve mobility.

Tai chi : This low-impact exercise involves gentle movements and deep breathing. It has been shown to improve balance, flexibility, and strength and may help reduce joint pain.

Yoga : Practicing yoga can help improve joint flexibility and reduce inflammation. Some poses, such as cat-cow, downward-facing dog, and warrior II, may be particularly beneficial for joint pain.

Herbal supplements : Some herbal supplements, such as turmeric, ginger, and devil’s claw, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce joint pain. However, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, as they can interact with other medications and have potential side effects.

Massage Therapy : It involves applying pressure to soft tissues and muscles to improve circulation, reduce tension, and alleviate pain. Massage therapy can be particularly helpful for neck, back, and shoulder pain.

Check out this video to learn how to do yoga to relieve joint pain:

How is joint pain diagnosed?

When a patient presents with joint pain, the healthcare provider usually thoroughly evaluates the underlying cause. Here are some of the diagnostic methods that are commonly used:

Physical examination: The healthcare provider will ask about the patient’s medical history, lifestyle, family medical history, and medications. They will also perform a physical examination to assess the joint’s condition, including range of motion, swelling, tenderness, and warmth.

X-ray: X-rays can detect joint damage caused by arthritis, joint deterioration, fluid in the joint, and bone spurs.

Blood test: Blood tests can screen for autoimmune diseases, assess inflammation levels, and check for infections that may be causing joint pain.

Sedimentation rate test: This test is used to assess inflammation levels. It involves measuring the rate at which red blood cells separate from the blood. A high sedimentation rate may indicate the presence of an inflammatory or autoimmune condition.

Complete blood count (CBC): A CBC can assess inflammation levels and check for infections. This test measures the number of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in the blood.

Other diagnostic methods may also be used, depending on the suspected cause of joint pain. It is important to have a proper diagnosis to determine the best treatment and management plan for joint pain.

What symptoms of joint pain are causes for concern?

Joint pain can be a distressing experience and can come with several symptoms. Here are some of the common symptoms associated with joint pain:

Swelling : Joint swelling is a common symptom of joint pain, and it can happen due to inflammation, fluid build-up, or injury.

Numbness : If you experience numbness in the affected joint or surrounding area could be a sign of nerve compression or damage.

Noisy Joints : Some people experience clicking, popping, or cracking sounds in their joints during movement. This may indicate a joint problem.

Painful movement : Joint pain often causes discomfort during movement, and you may experience sharp or dull pain.

Difficult movement: When joint pain affects mobility, it can be challenging to perform daily tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, or even holding objects.

Loss of motion : Joint pain can limit the range of motion in the affected joint, making it difficult to perform certain movements.

Red and hot joint : Inflammation can cause the affected joint to become red and warm to the touch.

Stiff Joint: Joint stiffness is a common symptom of arthritis, and it can make it difficult to move the joint or perform certain activities.

Joint Tenderness : Tenderness in the affected joint can indicate inflammation, injury, or infection.

Fatigue: Joint pain can cause fatigue, which can be due to the body’s response to inflammation.

Weakness in Joint: Weakness in the affected joint can result from injury, nerve damage, or a chronic condition.

It is important to note that joint pain symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause. If you experience joint pain, seeing a healthcare provider to determine the cause and appropriate treatment is advisable.

When should I see a doctor?

It is common to experience joint pain occasionally, especially as we age. In most cases, it can be managed with self-care, such as rest, ice, or over-the-counter pain relievers. However, there are situations where it is important to seek medical attention.

Joint pain lasting more than a few days can be a sign of an underlying condition, and seeing a doctor can help you identify the cause of the pain and get appropriate treatment.

Additionally, if the pain interferes with your daily activities or affects your overall health, it is important to seek medical attention. It is also crucial to see a doctor if the cause is not identifiable or if the pain returns after a period of relief.

If you have a concerning medical condition or have experienced joint pain in past, consult your doctor to rule out any severe medical conditions.

In general, it is always better to err on the side of caution regarding joint pain. Consulting a doctor on time can help prevent the condition from worsening and lead to a faster and more effective treatment plan.

What is the outlook for people with joint pain?

The outlook for people with joint pain varies depending on the underlying cause. In some cases, such as acute injuries, joint pain can be treated effectively, and the person can recover fully.

However, for chronic conditions like arthritis, joint pain may be a lifelong challenge that requires ongoing management.

While joint pain can be managed with medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes, it is important to note that it can impact a person’s quality of life. It may limit their ability to engage in certain activities.

People with joint pain can still lead full and active lives with proper care and management. Your healthcare provider will help to develop a personalized treatment plan to address your unique need.

Conclusion

In conclusion, joint pain is a common condition affecting people of all ages and significantly impacting their daily lives. By understanding the causes and symptoms, one can look for treatment options to help individuals manage joint pain and prevent further damage.

Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and seeking medical attention when needed are important factors in managing joint pain. While joint pain can be a challenging condition to live with, with the right care and attention, individuals can improve their quality of life.

View All