As we all know, joints, are the part of the skeletal system where two bones meet, and it allows the bones to move. Some of these joints include shoulder, elbows, knees, and hips. Pain in joint refers to the aches and soreness in any of the joints, and it is common complaint affecting a significant share of people all across the globe. Even though it doesn’t require an emergency care or a visit to the hospital, joint pain can have a debilitating effect on your overall health.

Joint pain may range from mild discomfort to a paralyzing pain. It can be acute that goes away within a few weeks or chronic which can last for months together. Even a pain and swelling that lasts for some time can hamper one’s quality of life. Regardless of the joint pain causes, you would be able to manage it with the help of exercises, medications, physical therapies and some alternative treatments.

What are the joint pain causes?
In most cases, joint pain stems from arthritis, and the two primary forms of arthritis include osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. According to the reports of the American College of Rheumatology, osteoarthritis is a common issue among adults aged over 40. It has a slow progression and affects a host of joints like hands, wrists, hips, and knees. Joint pain rising from osteoarthritis stems from a breakdown of the cartilage which functions like a cushion and shock absorber for the joints.

The second form is rheumatoid arthritis. As per the reports of the Arthritis Foundation, over 1.5 million Americans are affected by the disease, and it affects more women than men. Rheumatoid arthritis has the power to deform as well as debilitate the joints with the passage of time. It causes terrible pain, soreness, inflammation along with fluid retention as the immune system learns to attack the membrane lining the joint.

There are various other joint pain causes.

• Inflammation of the cushioning pads around the joint known as bursitis.

• Gout: This is one of the most significant joint pain causes that is characterized by severe and sudden and severe pain attacks along with inflammation of the joints. It is a complex form of arthritis and can affect anyone.

• Tendinitis: This results from the inflammation of the joints and tendons which are fibrous cords attaching the muscle to the bone. It leads to pain and tenderness right outside the joint. When it occurs, it usually affects the wrists, knees, elbows, and shoulders.

• Psoriatic arthritis: This is a kind of arthritis which affects some people suffering from psoriasis. In this condition, stiffness and swelling of the joints are felt.

• Cancer: Bone cancer is a rare type of cancer which starts in the bone. Though it may affect any bone in the body, it mostly starts with the long bones in the arms and the legs. There are different types of bone cancer where some affect kids and others children.

• Rickets: This disease refers to the weakening of the bones in kids that results in a terrible joint pain. It is triggered by a prolonged period of Vitamin D deficiency.

• Sarcoidosis: This condition refers to the growth of tiny inflammatory cells termed as granulomas in several parts of the body such as the lumps, eyes, skin and lymph nodes. It results from the immune system’s response to unwanted substances that are typically inhaled through the air.

• Sprains and strains: These are common injuries sharing similar symptoms, and they can affect various joints in the body. A sprain can be defined as tearing or stretching of the ligaments, and it mostly affects the ankles. On the other hand, a strain is tearing or stretching of the muscles or tendons. Even though they can be successfully treated at home, they are considered substantial joint pain causes.

• Pseudogout is a type of arthritis that is characterized by sudden bouts of pain and swelling in the joints. These can last for a few days to weeks together and are usually caused by crystal deposits within the joints.

• Leukemia: Leukemia is one of the most common joint pain causes which refers to the cancer of the blood-forming tissues such as the lymphatic system and the bone marrow.

• Avascular necrosis: Sometimes when the blood supply is hampered for prolonged period, it leads to the death of tissues in the bones. It can affect the bones along with the joints and causes dislocation of the bone.

• Some types of infectious disease including influenza, mumps, and hepatitis

• Breakdown of the cartilage present in the knee

• Chondromalacia of the patella

• Accident or injury

• Wearing of the joints from overuse

• Osteoporosis or osteomalacia

It is very crucial for the doctor to know the joint pain causes so that he can sketch the most suitable treatment plan.