Joint pain

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Skeleton

The structure of a joint

Joint pain can affect one or more joints. See also arthritis (inflammation of joints), muscle pain, and bursitis.

Stiffness in a joint; Pain - joints; Arthralgia

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.

• Unusual exertion or overuse, including strains or sprains
• Injury, including fracture
• Gout (especially found in the big toe)
• Osteoarthritis
• Septic arthritis
• Tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Infectious diseases, including
  • Influenza
  • Measles (rubeola)
  • Rheumatic fever
  • Epstein-Barr viral syndrome
  • Hepatitis
  • Mumps
  • Rubella (German measles)
  • Varicella (chickenpox)
  • Paravirus
  • Lyme disease
• Chondromalacia patellae
• Osteomyelitis
• Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus

Review Date: 08/22/2006
Reviewed By: Lisa Christopher-Stine, M.D., M.P.H., Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University,Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.