What Are the Causes of Joint Pain?

Arthralgia (from the Greek Arthro-, joint + -Algos, pain) literally means - joint pain - and it is a symptom of injury, infection, illnesses (in particular Arthritis) or an allergic reaction to medication.

Regrettably, joint pain, is a widespread health condition which may result from any one of myriad different known causes.

Irrespective of its origin, joint pain can result in extreme discomfort and can affect any or all of the body’s joints - often seriously impacting on ones quality of life.

Although typically the consequence of an injury or sprain, joint pain can result from any number of underlying conditions which could be separated into broad categories, including but not limited to:

• Injury
• Disease
• Degeneration
• Overuse

The following typical causes of joint pain are just some from the broad Injury category:

• Tendon or ligament tears
• Cartilage damage
• Strains, sprains and pulls
• Stress

Painful and stiff joints do not necessarily develop as a result of degeneration through growing old and although they are most commonly caused by wear and tear, and injury, through general overuse, joint pain can be caused by more serious conditions.

The following are just some from the broad Diseases category generally associated with joint pain:

• Gout (also referred to as Podagra when it involves the big toe)
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Chondromalacia patellae (knee pain)
• Osteoporosis
• Osteomyelitis (bone or bone marrow infection)
• Metabolic Disorders

Gout - a medical condition usually characterised by recurrent attacks of acute inflammatory arthritis.

Tendonitis - meaning inflammation of a tendon (the suffix ‘itis’ denotes diseases characterised by inflammation).

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) - an autoimmune disorder caused by the body producing an immune response against its own tissues that causes stiffness and pain in the joints.

Osteoarthritis (OA) – a degenerative condition, caused by mechanical abnormalities through wear and tear, resulting in the eventual degradation and loss of cartilage at a joint. It is very common in adults older than 45.

Metabolic Disorders - chemical reactions in the body, which upset the process of metabolism - the process of making energy from food. An example of a metabolic disorder is Diabetes.

Joint pain can also be caused by Infectious Diseases such as:

• Influenza
• Measles
• Rheumatic fever
• Hepatitis
• Rubella
• Mumps
• Chickenpox
• Lyme Disease
• Septic Arthritis


Septic Arthritis - caused by bacterial inflammation of the joint may arise locally, or may be carried to the joint from another area of infection, through the bloodstream.

All the above infectious diseases can cause inflammation of the joints.

AK Smith is a freelance writer and author.
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DISCLAIMER:
This blog is NOT a medical advice service – always consult your doctor for specific advice.
The information in this blog is for informational purposes only and is in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of your doctor.
If you have symptoms or feel ill please see your doctor.