Joint Pain Series: Common Causes of Joint Pain

Experiencing chronic aching, stiffness, and swelling in your joints? In this article, we’ll cover some of the most common causes of joint pain.

It’s a complex, chemical interaction between your brain’s synapses and the body’s response. It’s a warning sign and an essential (albeit frustrating) signal that something is wrong. It’s joint pain. And if it’s the reality that you’re currently facing, then you’re probably looking for some answers, because nobody wants to live with the nagging, chronic discomfort, swelling, and stiffness that comes with joint pain.

So, let’s start with the basics. In this article, we’ll list some of the most common causes of joint pain so that you can begin to identify what may be causing your discomfort. If you’re interested in more detailed information, check out our additional articles from this series on the topics of arthritis symptoms and physicians for arthritis.

Common Causes of Joint Pain

As joint pain becomes more and more severe, ice packs and Tylenol prove to be less and less effective. A qualified orthopaedic physician will be able to discuss options with you for more effective treatment methods to address your pain. For now, though, let’s identify three possible causes.

1. Trauma/Injury: Joint pain can be the result of various types of injuries, including those that occur as a result of lifting heavy objects, bending improperly, sports related trauma and automobile accidents. These incidents may result in injury to bones, ligaments or cartilage within a joint, thereby resulting in general joint pain.

2. Diseases/Conditions: Certain inflammatory conditions, such as Gout and Lupus, are other common causes of joint pain. Gout, which occurs when the body produces too much uric acid and is unable to eliminate it fast enough, results in severe joint inflammation. Lupus is an autoimmune inflammatory disease that impacts more than just the joints, but does often result in joint pain and stiffness.

3. Arthritis: Here’s the primary culprit. This disease of the joints can occur as either “wear and tear” arthritis or inflammatory arthritis, and is considered to be one of the most common causes of joint pain and disability in the U.S. The most common types include Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Psoriatic Arthritis.

Wondering if you may have one of the above mentioned types of arthritis? Maybe it’s time to check out our helpful guide to determining whether you have arthritis and which type you have. Or, to have your questions answered by a qualified orthopaedic physician, please visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.

Check out the rest of the articles in our helpful series on joint pain:

Joint Series - Blog 1: Why do I Have Joint Pain?

Common Causes of Joint Pain

How do I Know if I Have Arthritis

Do I Need to See a Doctor About Arthritis

Joint Series - Blog 2: What are my Treatment Options for Arthritis?

Best Joint Treatment Options

Best Physician for Arthritis

Joint Series - Blog 3: Do I Need a Joint Replacement?

Joint Replacement Recovery