Joint pain is a pervasive issue afflicting millions worldwide, and while there are risk factors for certain conditions causing joint pain, this symptom can affect those from any racial background, gender or age group. Therefore, it is important to understand how to effectively approach the issue and get much-needed relief with a treatment plan to treat or manage the root of the pain.
Whether you have recently experienced new pain, or you have had pain on and off for a while and are now acting on it, read on for details of the most common causes of joint pain.
The 6 most common causes of joint pain
1. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, and occurs when the protective cartilage cushioning the ends of bones wears away due to injury, overuse or with age. Picture your joints as the well-oiled hinges of a door, with smooth movement and flexibility when healthy. Over time and with heavy use, these hinges may show signs of wear and tear; in the case of your joints, these signs are symptoms of osteoarthritis. As this wear and tear progresses, simple movements that were once easy and pain-free may become more challenging, affecting your daily routine and lifestyle.
Those with osteoarthritis may commonly experience it in the hands, knees, hips or spine, though it can occur in any joint in the body. Symptoms include stiffness, pain, popping or cracking in the joints, and decreased mobility. Though osteoarthritis is often associated with later life, you might be at risk of developing this condition at a younger age if you are genetically predisposed, obese, or overusing your joints.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis
Unlike osteoarthritis, where the joints break down through injury, age or overuse, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial membrane, which lines the joints. Once this happens, the body will respond with inflammation, swelling and pain in one or more joints, which happens symmetrically as the disease progresses.
Symptoms may come and go at first, and there may be weeks or months between flare-ups, which can often delay diagnosis. However, with treatments like disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in combination with anti-inflammatory lifestyle changes, there’s hope in battling the condition.
3. Acute Injury
Acute injuries, like sprains, bursitis or ligament tears, can occur suddenly, often due to trauma or excessive strain on your body.
A sprain happens when ligaments, the tough tissues connecting bones at joints, stretch or tear beyond their normal limits. Sprains result in pain, swelling, and restricted movement for two to three weeks, or longer for more severe sprains.
Meanwhile, bursitis involves inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion joints, resulting in localised pain and tenderness. If you are a sportsperson, and someone who tends to experience a lot of twists, turns, and sudden movements, you may be more at risk of bursitis than others. To avoid permanent damage it’s important to apply the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and complete targeted rehabilitation exercises to restore strength and functionality.
4. Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder characterised by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbances. It can also have an impact on your mood. Although its exact cause remains elusive, fibromyalgia is thought to involve abnormalities in pain processing within the central nervous system.
Chronic pain is a symptom of a range of conditions, including injury, disease and psychogenic disorders. If you often experience pain in your neck, shoulders, back, and hips, it’s important not to ignore it, and instead consult your doctor. Seeking guidance from healthcare professionals is paramount for accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plans.
Treatment for fibromyalgia centres on improving quality of life with physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments, including adopting a balanced diet, exercising regularly and managing stress. You may also be recommended talking therapies, antidepressants or acupuncture.
5. Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is another immune-related problem that results in chronic inflammation of the skin and joints. Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are linked, but not everyone who has psoriasis will get psoriatic arthritis.
This type of arthritis is characterised by distinctive red skin with scaly patches in connection with joint pain, stiffness and swelling, presenting a dual challenge. The disease also extends beyond joints and skin, potentially affecting organs like the eyes, leading to inflammation and visual disturbances.
There is no cure for psoriatic arthritis yet, but early detection can help with better management of the condition.
6. Lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that is complex and poorly understood. The word ‘lupus’ is commonly used to describe the more severe variation of the disease, which affects the joints, skin and organs, however there are also milder types that only affect the skin.
Around 50,000 people in the UK live with lupus, and awareness of the disease and its impact is gradually increasing. Some celebrities, including Selena Gomez, are helping to raise the profile of lupus to help those who are suffering with the condition get the help they need.
As lupus is a multi-system disease, it manifests in a range of symptoms, from joint discomfort and fever to skin rashes, kidney inflammation, and neurological challenges. It is a result of the immune system producing too many antibodies, which attack healthy tissue.
No single cause of lupus has been identified, though it may be triggered by genetics, hormones or infection. Symptoms typically begin in early adulthood (age 15 to 44), and early signs include hair loss, low grade fever, skin rashes or lesions, kidney issues and fatigue.
Are you in a lot of pain?
If you’re dealing with joint pain of any kind, don’t hesitate to see a specialist. A private rheumatologist in London can help patients who are suffering with back pain, neck pain, gout, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and a range of musculoskeletal conditions.
As a consultant rheumatologist in London, Dr. Bhadauria is a highly trained and experienced doctor who specialises in diagnosing and treating arthritis and other conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system.
Worried about joint pain? Try to look out for common triggers early on to take proactive steps towards treating or managing your condition and bettering your quality of life. The sooner you obtain specialist help, the sooner you can get back to feeling like your old self.