Joint pain and swelling can be caused by inflammation, such as arthritis, bursitis, and gout, or injury, such as sprains, strains, and tears. Obesity and certain medical conditions can also contribute. Treatment options include rest, medication, and therapy, and in severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
There are many causes of joint pain and swelling, most of which fall into one of two categories: pain caused by inflammation and pain caused by injury. Inflammation includes arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, gout and other diseases. Joint injury is caused by unusual strain or overuse of the joint.
Arthritis is the most common cause of joint pain. Osteoarthritis affects more people than any other type of arthritis, especially the elderly. Sometimes called degenerative arthritis, osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in the joints breaks down, causing the bones to rub against each other. Symptoms include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that causes pain and stiffness in the joints. RA causes the immune system to malfunction, which produces inflammation in the lining of the joints. This leads to joint deterioration, pain, and decreased mobility. RA often occurs in small joints, such as those in the hands and feet, but can affect any joint in the body.
Bursitis is another condition that causes pain and swelling in the joints. Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs near joints that cushion bone knobs, allowing muscles and tendons to move easily over the bone. These bursae may become tender and swollen from excessive joint movement, pressure, or trauma. Bursitis commonly occurs around the shoulders, knees and hips.
Gout also causes joint pain and swelling. When the body has an excessive buildup of uric acid due to impaired kidney function, crystals form and deposit in the joints, leading to inflammation. Gout commonly affects the big toe. It can spread to other joints if left untreated.
There are other medical conditions that could have the side effect of joint pain and swelling. These include lupus, fibromyalgia and osteoporosis. Infectious diseases such as the flu, mumps, hepatitis and chicken pox can also cause joint pain. When the immune system is forced to work overtime, white blood cells attack areas throughout the body, causing joint pain and soreness.
Obesity is an indirect cause of joint pain and swelling. Carrying extra weight adds pressure to your joints and can accelerate the breakdown of cartilage. Research has shown that losing even a small amount of body weight can have a drastic effect on relieving chronic joint pain.
Injuries are the other main cause of joint pain and swelling. Acute joint injuries could occur from a single traumatic movement and chronic joint injuries can occur from overuse. Both types of injuries could affect the ligaments, bursae, or tendons surrounding the joint or the ligaments, cartilage, and bones within the joint.
The most common types of joint injuries are cartilage sprains, strains, and tears. A sprain is the overstretching of the ligaments that hold bones together in a joint. A strain is the overstretching of tendons, which are the connective tissues between a muscle and bone. Sprains and strains occur when muscles and joints are forced to perform a movement, such as overstretching, for which they were not designed.
A cartilage tear is a tear in the rubbery tissue that connects bones to joints and keeps the bones from rubbing against each other. This type of injury is common in contact sports where swings and sudden stops occur. The knee joint is very susceptible to cartilage tears.
Treatment for joint pain resulting from an injury involves resting the aching joint, protecting it from further injury, as well as applying ice or heat and using over-the-counter pain medications. To treat joint inflammation, a doctor might recommend prescription medications. Acupuncture, magnetic therapy, and physical therapy are other common treatments for joint pain and swelling. Joint surgery is sometimes required for cases of advanced degeneration or serious injury.
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