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What is joint pain?

Joint pain, or arthralgia, is a common cause of discomfort, aching or soreness in one or more joints. Your body has hundreds of joints that connect bones and allow your body to move. When those joints become painful, you may find yourself unable to participate in daily activities and, as a result, have a lower quality of life.

Joint pain can range from mild and manageable to severe and disabling. It can affect a single joint or many joints throughout your body. Sometimes, the pain occurs because of an injury (acute joint pain), but in other cases, your joint pain may be related to a chronic condition. Regardless, an orthopedic specialist can help you find ways to manage or reduce your discomfort.

Types of joint pain

Joint pain can affect any joint in your body. Joint pain can occur within the joint, for example, when you experience an injury or when cartilage, which normally prevents bone from rubbing on bone, wears away.

You can also feel joint pain when ligaments, tendons and muscles surrounding the joint are injured or inflamed. Although this isn’t the same as arthralgia, your orthopedic specialist can help determine your pain’s cause and point you toward the best treatment option.

Commonly affected joints include:

Joint pain symptoms

Joint pain is often a symptom of another condition, but you can experience it in different ways depending on the underlying cause. Pain may be persistent, but it can also occur with activity and go away when you’re resting.

Other symptoms you may have with joint pain include:

  • Crepitus, a cracking or grating sensation when you move the joint
  • Redness and warmth in the skin over the affected joint
  • Reduced range of motion in the joint
  • Stiffness, particularly after periods of inactivity
  • Swelling that makes the joint appear larger or puffy
  • Weakness in the muscles surrounding the joint

When to see a doctor

See an orthopedic provider if you have joint pain that limits your daily activities, does not go away or occurs with crepitus, redness, warmth, stiffness, swelling and muscle weakness.

In some cases, infections or other serious conditions can cause joint pain, so see your provider if you experience sudden, intense pain or pain along with any of the following:

  • A fever, sweating or chills
  • A rash or other skin changes, such as spots, purple patches or dimples in the nails
  • An inability to walk normally
  • Pain in the abdomen
  • Pain in the chest, difficulty breathing, or a persistent, severe cough
  • Pain or redness in the eyes
  • Ulcers in the mouth, nose or genital area
  • Unexplained weight loss

Joint pain causes

The most common causes of joint pain include:

  • Osteoarthritis: This type of arthritis happens when the cartilage cushioning your bones wears away over time, leading to pain and stiffness. It develops slowly, typically after age 45.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): A chronic condition that causes joint swelling, pain and deformity, often affecting the fingers and wrists.
  • Gout: This painful condition occurs when acidic crystals build up in a joint, causing pain and swelling, usually in the big toe.
  • Bursitis: Caused by overuse, bursitis commonly affects the hip, knee, elbow or shoulder.
  • Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons, often due to overuse, generally affecting the elbow, heel or shoulder.

Viral infections, rashes, fever or injuries like fractures or sprains can also trigger joint pain.

Joint pain risk factors

Joint pain is more common in people who have:

  • Arthritis or other chronic medical conditions
  • Previous joint injuries
  • Repeatedly used or overused muscles
  • Depression, anxiety or stress
  • A BMI over 25 (overweight) or 30 (obesity)
  • Age is also a factor, as joint issues often develop after years of wear and tear, usually starting after age 45

Diagnosing joint pain

If you’re experiencing persistent joint pain, your primary care provider can provide an initial exam and order various tests to identify the underlying condition. They may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon for a more detailed evaluation based on the results of the exam and any tests you have.

  • Medical history and exam

    Your provider will begin by discussing your symptoms, medical history and family history. They will want to know details about when your pain began, how long it lasts and other characteristics, such as whether it comes and goes or appears suddenly.

    Your provider will also perform a physical exam to measure your joint’s range of motion, strength and stability and look for visible signs of swelling, redness or warmth.

  • Imaging and tests

    Your provider may order imaging, such as X-rays, MRIs or CT scans, to view your joint’s structure and look for abnormalities, such as fractures, bone spurs or damage to ligaments or cartilage.

    • Blood tests: Blood tests can help identify infections, inflammatory markers and antibodies associated with autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
    • Joint aspiration: For a joint aspiration, your doctor uses a needle and syringe to withdraw fluid from your joint. The fluid is analyzed for markers of specific conditions, such as gout or an infection within the joint.
    • X-rays: An X-ray can help your doctor diagnose a broken bone, a bone tumor or avascular necrosis.
    • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT): You may need an MRI or CT scan if your provider suspects your joint pain is related to a problem with cartilage, a ligament or a tendon.
    • Arthrogram: An arthrogram, or arthrography, is an imaging test in which you receive an injection of dye before having an MRI, CT scan or special type of X-ray called fluoroscopy. As with MRI and CT, it can help identify problems in the ligaments, tendons and cartilage around your joints.

Joint pain treatment

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Joint pain can often be managed with over-the-counter medications or simple daily exercises that may provide relief. However, ongoing pain could suggest a more serious issue that may require prescription medication or surgery.

Your treatment plan will be determined by your care team based on your diagnosis, age, activity level and other treatments attempted in the past. Joint pain treatment options may include:

At-home care

You can attempt some joint pain treatments at home. For example:

  • Rest: Rest reduces pressure on the affected joint and allows it time to heal.
  • Ice: Applying an ice pack for approximately 15 minutes every two to three hours may reduce joint inflammation.
  • Exercise: Stretching and low-impact exercises, such as walking, can improve your joint strength and range of motion. Physical activity can also help you lose weight. Being overweight can increase pressure on your joints.

Medication

Medications can help control pain, and in some cases, they can treat the underlying cause of your joint pain.

  • Acetaminophen: An over-the-counter medication, acetaminophen can help treat pain that isn’t associated with inflammation.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter NSAIDs, including aspirin and ibuprofen, can help manage pain and reduce inflammation. Some NSAIDs, such as celecoxib, are available only by prescription.
  • Topical creams: Often available over the counter, many pain relief creams contain ingredients that target arthritis pain.
  • Antibiotics: You may need an antibiotic if your joint pain is related to an underlying infection.
  • Immunosuppressive medications: If you have an autoimmune condition, your provider may prescribe an immunosuppressant, which helps prevent your immune system from attacking healthy tissue. There are many types of immunosuppressive medications, and the one you receive will depend on your diagnosis.

Injections

Depending on your diagnosis, your provider may recommend injections directly into the joint. These can include corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, hyaluronic acid for lubrication or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to stimulate natural healing.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in treating joint pain. Your therapist will create personalized exercise programs aimed at strengthening the muscles around a joint, increasing joint flexibility and enhancing range of motion.

Surgery

If your joints continue to hurt after trying nonsurgical treatments, your provider or orthopedic specialist may recommend surgery. You may benefit from one of the following options, based on your diagnosis and other factors:

  • Arthroscopy: Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure typically used when there is not enough significant joint damage for a joint replacement. It involves the insertion of a tiny camera through small incisions to address and repair issues within the joint. Arthroscopy can benefit and address various joint problems, including inflammation, cartilage tears, torn ligaments, torn tendons and loose bone fragments.
  • Joint fusion: Joint fusion is a procedure where a surgeon joins the ends of bones, removing the joint. They use plates, screws, pins or rods to hold the bones in place as they heal. This is most commonly done on the hands, ankles and spine.
  • Joint replacement surgery: When you have severe joint damage, joint replacement surgery can provide a long-lasting solution. This procedure involves removing the damaged joint and replacing it with an artificial joint. Surgeons can replace many joints, including the knee, hip and shoulder.
  • Joint resurfacing: Your orthopedic surgeon may recommend joint resurfacing, where only the damaged part of an arthritic joint is replaced.
  • Osteotomy: An osteotomy allows your surgeon to reposition your bone to take weight off a damaged area. It can be used to treat arthritis, as well as hip dysplasia and avascular necrosis.

Frequently asked questions

  • Can barometric pressure cause joint pain?

    The impact of barometric pressure on joint pain varies from person to person. Some people with joint conditions report increased discomfort during weather changes, particularly when barometric pressure drops.

  • What causes joint pain all over the body?

    Systemic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, can cause joint pain all over the body. It can also be associated with viral infections or fibromyalgia. A thorough medical evaluation is crucial to determine the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

  • Can statins cause joint pain?

    For some people, statins, a class of medications used to lower high cholesterol, may cause joint pain. If you experience joint pain while on statins, talk to your healthcare provider, as they can help adjust your medication or explore alternative options.

  • Does menopause cause joint pain?

    Menopause and hormonal changes can cause joint pain in some women. Research suggests that estrogen helps reduce inflammation, and declines during and after menopause can lead to increased pain.

  • Can dehydration cause joint pain?

    Dehydration can lead to joint pain as it may affect the lubrication and cushioning of joints. Staying well-hydrated is essential for overall health, especially joint health.