Joint pain Health Article

Definition

Joint pain can affect one or more joints.

See also:

• Arthritis (inflammation of joints)
• Bursitis
• Muscle pain

Alternative Names

Stiffness in a joint; Pain - joints; Arthralgia

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

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