What is joint pain?
Joint pain is a frequent complaint that can stem from many factors. The joints most often involved include the knees, hips, lower back, shoulders, wrists, knuckles and ankles. When discomfort in a joint persists for more than three months, it’s considered chronic, often signalling an underlying issue.
Common symptoms of joint pain
What you feel depends on which joint is affected and why. You may experience a mild ache or a burning sensation, and several joints can hurt at once. Painful joints often swell, feel tender or warm, and may even look misshapen. Many people notice stiffness is worst first thing in the morning, with pain fluctuating through the day. Severe aches and swelling can make daily tasks difficult, for instance, knee pain might limit walking or stair climbing, while knuckle pain can hamper washing, dressing or work. Ongoing pain and inflammation can also lead to fatigue. an underlying issue.
What causes joint pain?
- Osteoporosis: A disorder characterised by reduced bone mineral density, leading to increased bone fragility and contributing to joint pain.
- Arthritis: The most frequent reason for joint discomfort, marked by pain, stiffness, swelling, redness, and decreased mobility. Around 4 million Australians live with arthritis, most commonly osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Osteoarthritis: A degenerative condition affecting bone, cartilage, ligaments, and muscles, caused by the gradual breakdown of protective cartilage.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disorder targeting the synovial lining of joints, leading to chronic inflammation, joint damage, and functional limitations.
- Overuse of joints: Repetitive motions (e.g. tennis, typing) can strain tendons and ligaments, especially in the wrist, elbow, or shoulder, resulting in joint pain.
- Infectious diseases: Viral infections such as mumps, influenza, and hepatitis often produce joint aches, stiffness, and persistent soreness.
- Injury: Trauma to a joint, including sprains, strains, or fractures, can damage bones, cartilage, or connective tissues, causing acute or lingering pain that can persist.
- Cancer: Certain malignancies, like bone cancer or leukaemia, or treatments such as chemotherapy can manifest as joint discomfort.
- Gout: A form of arthritis caused by urate crystal deposits within the joint, resulting in repeated attacks of intense pain, swelling, and redness.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints, often affecting the shoulder, elbow, or hip, causing tenderness and restricted movement.
- Lupus: A systemic autoimmune disease that attacks healthy tissues, including joints, causing inflammation, swelling, and joint damage.
- Chondromalacia: Often called “runner’s knee,” it involves softening and damage to the cartilage beneath the kneecap, typically from overuse or injury.
- Rickets: A skeletal disorder due to prolonged or severe vitamin D deficiency, leading to softening of bones and joint pain, especially in children.
- Tendonitis: Inflammation of a tendon, commonly in the shoulder, wrist, knee, shin, or heel, causing pain, swelling, and reduced flexibility.
- Sarcoidosis: An inflammatory disease characterized by granuloma formation in organs including joints, causing joint pain.
Treatment & management of joint pain
Effective relief depends on the root cause. Your doctor may prescribe medication to ease symptoms or treat the source of your joint pain. You can also help reduce pain and inflammation by:
- Taking over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol or aspirin
- Using topical gels or NSAIDs
- Staying active with regular exercise
- Stretching before physical activity
- Keeping a healthy weight to lessen joint stress
- Applying heat packs or cold compresses
- Getting plenty of rest
When to see a doctor
Consult your doctor if you have:
- A serious joint injury
- Joints that are red, swollen, tender and warm
- Persistent pain
- Fever without other flu-like symptoms
- Noticeable joint deformity
- Sudden swelling
- Trouble moving the joint