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Alternative names Return to top
Stiffness in a joint; Pain - joints; Arthralgia
Definition
Joint pain (arthralgia) affects 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 ibruprofen
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 obtain your medical history and will
perform a physical examination.
Medical history questions documenting joint pain may include
the following:
Location
Where is the pain?
Which joint hurts?
Is the pain on one side or both sides?
Time pattern
How long have you been having this pain?
Have you had this pain before?
Did this pain begin suddenly and severely or slowly and mildly?
Does the pain recur?
Has the pain become more severe?
Is the pain constant or does it come and go?
Aggravating factors
What started your pain?
Have you injured your joint?
Have you had repeated injuries?
Have you had an illness? Fever?
What makes the pain worse?
Does moving the joint make the pain worse?
Does resting the joint make the pain worse?
Relieving factors
Does resting the joint reduce the pain?
Does moving the joint reduce the pain?
Are certain positions comfortable?
Does keeping the joint elevated help?
Do medications reduce the pain?
Does massage help?
Does applying heat help?
Other
What other symptoms do you have?
Is the joint swollen or red or tender to touch?
Is there any numbness?
Can you bend and straighten the joint?
Does the joint feel stiff?
Does movement cause pain?
Can you use the joint for normal activities?
Diagnostic tests that may be performed include the following:
Blood studies
CBC
Blood differential
Joint X-ray
Physical therapy for muscle and joint rehabilitation may be recommended.
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