Joint Pain

Joint pain, medically known as arthralgia, is discomfort that arises from any joint—the point where two or more bones meet. It is a common complaint that can result from a range of conditions, including arthritis, gout, tendinitis, bursitis, or injuries such as sprains and strains. Pain severity can vary from a mild, intermittent ache to a severe, chronic pain that incapacitates the sufferer. The sensation may be accompanied by stiffness, swelling, redness, or warmth around the affected joint. Though joint pain can occur in any joint, it is most commonly reported in the knees, shoulders, hips, and hands.

The underlying causes of joint pain are diverse and can involve mechanical issues, inflammation, infection, or degenerative diseases. Mechanical problems might include a misalignment or wear and tear of cartilage, tendons, or ligaments. Inflammatory causes encompass autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the joints, leading to pain and inflammation. Accurate diagnosis typically requires a medical history review, physical examination, and possibly imaging or lab tests to determine the source of pain and to tailor appropriate treatment which may involve medication, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, or in severe cases, surgery.