Joint pain

The structure of a joint

Joints, particularly hinge joints like the elbow and the knee, are complex structures made up of bone, muscles, synovium, cartilage, and ligaments that are designed to bear weight and move the body through space. The knee consists of the femur (thigh bone) above, and the tibia (shin bone) and fibula below. The kneecap (patella) glides through a shallow groove on the front part of the lower thigh bone. Ligaments and tendons connect the three bones of the knee, which are contained in the joint capsule (synovium) and are cushioned by cartilage.

Also known as: Stiffness in a joint, Pain - joints or Arthralgia

Definition

Joint pain can affect one or more joints.

See also:

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

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 ibuprofen to children.

Call your health care provider if

Contact your health care provider if:

  • You have fever that is not associated with flu symptoms
  • You have lost 10 pounds or more without trying (unintended weight loss)
  • Your joint pain lasts for more than 3 days
  • You have severe, unexplained joint pain, particularly if you have other unexplained symptoms

What to expect at your health care provider's office

Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask you about your medical history. The following questions may help identify the cause of your joint pain:

  • Which joint hurts? Is the pain on one side or both sides?
  • How long have you been having this pain? Have you had it before?
  • Did this pain begin suddenly and severely, or slowly and mildly?
  • Is the pain constant or does it come and go? Has the pain become more severe?
  • What started your pain?
  • Have you injured your joint?
  • Have you had an illness or fever?
  • Does resting the joint reduce the pain or make it worse?
  • Does moving the joint reduce the pain or make it worse?
  • Are certain positions comfortable? Does keeping the joint elevated help?
  • Do medications, massage, or applying heat reduce the pain?
  • What other symptoms do you have?
  • Is there any numbness?
  • Can you bend and straighten the joint? Does the joint feel stiff?
  • Are your joints stiff in the morning? If so, how long does the stiffness last?
  • What makes the stiffness better?

Tests that may be done include:

Physical therapy for muscle and joint rehabilitation may be recommended. A procedure called arthrocentesis may be needed to remove fluid from the sore joint.

See also:

  • Symptoms

    Muscle aches

    Muscle pain

    Muscle aches and pains are common and can involve more than one muscle. Muscle pain also can involve ligaments, tendons, and fascia, the soft tissues that connect muscles, bones, and organs. See also:

  • Disease

    Rheumatoid arthritis

    Rheumatoid arthritis

    Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a long-term disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It can also affect other organs.

  • Disease

    Osteoarthritis

    Osteoarthritis

    Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder.

  • Disease

    Arthritis

    Rheumatoid arthritis

    Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, which results in pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement. There are over 100 different types of arthritis. See also:

  • Disease

    Bursitis

    Bursa of the elbow

    Bursitis is inflammation of the fluid-filled sac (bursa) that lies between a tendon and skin, or between a tendon and bone. The condition may be or .

Review date:
May 4, 2010
Reviewed by:
Mark James Borigini, MD, Rheumatologist in the Washington, DC Metro area. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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