What is Joint Pain
Joint pain is discomfort that affects one or more joints in your body. A joint is where the ends of two or more of your bones come together. For example, your hip joint is where your thigh bone meets your pelvis
What Are The Causes of Joint Pain
Joint pain can have many causes, including injuries, infections, and conditions like arthritis:
- Osteoarthritis: A common type of arthritis that occurs when the cartilage in your joints wears down. This usually happens after age 45.
- Gout: A painful condition that occurs when uric acid builds up in your blood and forms crystals in your joints. This usually affects your big toe.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disease that causes swelling and pain in your joints, often in your fingers and wrists.
- Bursitis: Caused by overuse, this condition usually affects your hip, knee, elbow, or shoulder.
- Injury: A sprain, fracture, or other injury can cause joint pain.
- Infection: A viral infection, like COVID-19, can cause joint pain.
- Vitamin D deficiency: Low levels of vitamin D can cause muscle pain in your joints.
Signs And Symptoms Of Joint Pain
Joint pain can have many symptoms, including:
- Pain: Joint pain can be mild or debilitating, and can occur when moving or at rest.
- Swelling: Inflamed joints may be swollen.
- Stiffness: Joints may feel stiff, especially in the morning.
- Warmth: Joints may feel warm or hot.
- Tenderness: Joints may be tender or sensitive to touch.
- Redness: Skin around the joint may be red.
- Abnormal motion: Joints may move abnormally, such as grating or loosening.
- Fatigue: Feeling fatigued may be a reaction to joint inflammation.