Stiffness in a joint; Pain - joints; Arthralgia; Arthritis
Causes
Joint pain can be caused by many types of injuries or conditions. It may be linked to arthritis, bursitis, and muscle pain. No matter what causes it, joint pain can be very bothersome. Some things that can cause joint pain are:
Follow your health care provider's advice for treating the cause of the pain.
For non-arthritic joint pain, both rest and exercise are important. Warm baths, massage, and stretching exercises should be used as often as possible.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) may help the soreness feel better.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen may help relieve pain and swelling. Talk to your provider before giving aspirin or NSAIDs such as ibuprofen to children.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Contact your provider if:
You have fever that is not associated with flu symptoms.
You have lost 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) or more without trying (unintended weight loss).
Your joint pain lasts for more than several days.
You have severe, unexplained joint pain and swelling, particularly if you have other unexplained symptoms.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
Your provider will ask you questions about your medical history and symptoms, including:
Which joint hurts? Is the pain on one side or both sides?
What started the pain and how often have you had it? Have you had it before?
Did this pain begin suddenly and severely, or slowly and mildly?
Is the pain constant or does it come and go? Has the pain become more severe?
Blood tests specific to various autoimmune disorders
Joint aspiration to obtain joint fluid for culture, white cell count and examination for crystals
Treatments may include:
Medicines such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) including ibuprofen, naproxen, or indomethacin
Injection of a corticosteroid medicine into the joint
Antibiotics and often surgical drainage, in case of infection (usually require hospitalization)
Physical therapy for muscle and joint rehabilitation
References
Bykerk VP, Crow MK. Approach to the patient with rheumatic disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 241.
Davis JM, Moder KG, Hunder GG. History and physical examination of the musculoskeletal system. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Gabriel SE, Koretzky GA, McInnes IB, O'Dell JR, eds. Firestein & Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 43.
Review Date:
1/16/2022
Reviewed By:
Diane M. Horowitz, MD, Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Northwell Health, Great Neck, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.