BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuJoint painStiffness in a joint; Pain - joints; Arthralgia; ArthritisJoint pain can affect one or more joints.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / 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:ArthritisArthritis is inflammation or degeneration of one or more joints. A joint is the area where 2 bones meet. There are more than 100 different types of...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article BursitisBursitis is the swelling and irritation of a bursa. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between muscles, tendons, and bones....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Muscle painMuscle aches and pains are common and can involve more than one muscle. Muscle pain also can involve ligaments, tendons, and fascia. Fascias are th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus Rheumatoid arthritisRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a long-term disease. It can also aff...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article LupusSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Bursitis BursitisBursitis is the swelling and irritation of a bursa. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between muscles, tendons, and bones....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chondromalacia patellae Chondromalacia patellaeAnterior knee pain is pain that occurs at the front and center of the knee. It can be caused by many different problems, including:Chondromalacia of...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Crystals in the joint -- gout (especially found in the big toe) and CPPD arthritis (pseudogout) GoutGout is a type of arthritis. It occurs when uric acid builds up in the blood and causes inflammation in the joints. Acute gout is a painful conditio...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infections caused by a virus Injury, such as a fracture Osteoarthritis OsteoarthritisOsteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder. It is due to aging and wear and tear on a joint.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Osteomyelitis (bone infection) OsteomyelitisOsteomyelitis is a bone infection. It is mainly caused by bacteria or other germs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Septic arthritis (joint infection) Septic arthritisSeptic arthritis is inflammation of a joint due to a bacterial or fungal infection. Septic arthritis that is due to the bacteria that cause gonorrhe...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tendinitis TendinitisTendons are the fibrous structures that join muscles to bones. When these tendons become swollen or inflamed, it is called tendinitis. In many case...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Unusual exertion or overuse, including strains or sprainsSprainsA sprain is an injury to the ligaments around a joint. Ligaments are strong, flexible fibers that hold bones together. When a ligament is stretched...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Signs of joint inflammation include:Swelling SwellingSwelling is the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body parts. It is caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissues. The extra fluid can lead to a ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Warmth Tenderness Redness Pain with movement Home Care 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. FeverFever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or abov...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article FluThe flu (influenza) is a viral respiratory illness that causes fever, chills, runny nose, body aches, and cough. It spreads easily from person to pe...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You have lost 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) or more without trying (unintended weight loss). Unintended weight lossUnexplained weight loss is a decrease in body weight, when you did not try to lose the weight on your own. Many people gain and lose weight. Uninten...Read Article Now Book Mark Article 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? Have you injured your joint? Have you had an illness, rash, or fever? RashRashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Does resting or moving make the pain better or worse? Are certain positions more or less comfortable? Does keeping the joint elevated help? Do medicines, massage, or applying heat reduce the pain? What other symptoms do you have? Is there any numbness? NumbnessNumbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but they are often felt in your fingers, hands, feet, arms, or le...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Can you bend and straighten the joint? Does the joint feel stiff? Are your joints stiff in the morning? If so, for how long does the stiffness last? What makes the stiffness better?A physical exam will be done to look for signs of joint abnormality including:Swelling Tenderness Warmth Pain with motion Abnormal motion such as limitation, loosening of the joint, grating sensationTests that may be done include:Complete blood count (CBC) or blood differential Complete blood count (CBC)A complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The numb...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood differentialThe blood differential test measures the percentage of each type of white blood cell (WBC) that you have in your blood. It also reveals if there are...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article C-reactive protein Joint x-ray Joint x-rayThis test is an x-ray of a knee, shoulder, hip, wrist, ankle, or other joint.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sedimentation rate Blood tests specific to various autoimmune disorders Joint aspiration to obtain joint fluid for culture, white cell count and examination for crystalsJoint aspirationJoint fluid culture is a laboratory test to detect infection-causing germs in a sample of fluid surrounding a joint.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article 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 rehabilitationOpen ReferencesReferencesBykerk 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.AllVideoImagesTogThe structure of a joint - illustration Joints, particularly hinge joints like the elbow and the knee, are complex structures made up of bone, muscles, synovium, cartilage, and ligaments that are designed to bear weight and move the body through space. The knee consists of the femur (thigh bone) above, and the tibia (shin bone) and fibula below. The kneecap (patella) glides through a shallow groove on the front part of the lower thigh bone. Ligaments and tendons connect the three bones of the knee, which are contained in the joint capsule (synovium) and are cushioned by cartilage. The structure of a jointillustrationSkeleton - illustration The skeleton consists of groups of bones which protect and move the body.SkeletonillustrationRheumatoid arthritis - illustration Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks itself. The pattern of joints affected is usually symmetrical, involves the hands and other joints and is worse in the morning. Rheumatoid arthritis is also a systemic disease, involving other body organs, whereas osteoarthritis is limited to the joints. Over time, both forms of arthritis can be crippling.Rheumatoid arthritisillustrationThe structure of a joint - illustration Joints, particularly hinge joints like the elbow and the knee, are complex structures made up of bone, muscles, synovium, cartilage, and ligaments that are designed to bear weight and move the body through space. The knee consists of the femur (thigh bone) above, and the tibia (shin bone) and fibula below. The kneecap (patella) glides through a shallow groove on the front part of the lower thigh bone. Ligaments and tendons connect the three bones of the knee, which are contained in the joint capsule (synovium) and are cushioned by cartilage. The structure of a jointillustrationSkeleton - illustration The skeleton consists of groups of bones which protect and move the body.SkeletonillustrationRheumatoid arthritis - illustration Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks itself. The pattern of joints affected is usually symmetrical, involves the hands and other joints and is worse in the morning. Rheumatoid arthritis is also a systemic disease, involving other body organs, whereas osteoarthritis is limited to the joints. Over time, both forms of arthritis can be crippling.Rheumatoid arthritisillustrationSelf Care Sacroiliac joint pain - aftercareNeck pain or spasms - self careShoulder separation - aftercareGreater trochanteric pain syndromeFrozen shoulder - aftercareDislocated shoulder - aftercareUsing your shoulder after replacement surgeryAngina - when you have chest pain Tests for Joint pain Synovial fluid analysisJoint fluid Gram stainJoint fluid cultureSynovial biopsyRelated Information Arthritis(Condition)Muscle aches(Symptoms)Bursitis(Condition)Rheumatoid arthritis(Condition)Osteoarthritis(Condition)Osteoarthritis - InDepth(In-Depth)Rheumatoid arthritis - InDepth(In-Depth) 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. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Joint painStiffness in a joint; Pain - joints; Arthralgia; ArthritisJoint pain can affect one or more joints.Previous imagePlay SlideshowStop SlideshowNext image / 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:ArthritisArthritis is inflammation or degeneration of one or more joints. A joint is the area where 2 bones meet. There are more than 100 different types of...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article BursitisBursitis is the swelling and irritation of a bursa. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between muscles, tendons, and bones....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Muscle painMuscle aches and pains are common and can involve more than one muscle. Muscle pain also can involve ligaments, tendons, and fascia. Fascias are th...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus Rheumatoid arthritisRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease that leads to inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. It is a long-term disease. It can also aff...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article LupusSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Bursitis BursitisBursitis is the swelling and irritation of a bursa. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between muscles, tendons, and bones....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chondromalacia patellae Chondromalacia patellaeAnterior knee pain is pain that occurs at the front and center of the knee. It can be caused by many different problems, including:Chondromalacia of...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Crystals in the joint -- gout (especially found in the big toe) and CPPD arthritis (pseudogout) GoutGout is a type of arthritis. It occurs when uric acid builds up in the blood and causes inflammation in the joints. Acute gout is a painful conditio...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infections caused by a virus Injury, such as a fracture Osteoarthritis OsteoarthritisOsteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disorder. It is due to aging and wear and tear on a joint.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Osteomyelitis (bone infection) OsteomyelitisOsteomyelitis is a bone infection. It is mainly caused by bacteria or other germs.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Septic arthritis (joint infection) Septic arthritisSeptic arthritis is inflammation of a joint due to a bacterial or fungal infection. Septic arthritis that is due to the bacteria that cause gonorrhe...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Tendinitis TendinitisTendons are the fibrous structures that join muscles to bones. When these tendons become swollen or inflamed, it is called tendinitis. In many case...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Unusual exertion or overuse, including strains or sprainsSprainsA sprain is an injury to the ligaments around a joint. Ligaments are strong, flexible fibers that hold bones together. When a ligament is stretched...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Signs of joint inflammation include:Swelling SwellingSwelling is the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body parts. It is caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissues. The extra fluid can lead to a ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Warmth Tenderness Redness Pain with movement Home Care 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. FeverFever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or abov...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article FluThe flu (influenza) is a viral respiratory illness that causes fever, chills, runny nose, body aches, and cough. It spreads easily from person to pe...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article You have lost 10 pounds (4.5 kilograms) or more without trying (unintended weight loss). Unintended weight lossUnexplained weight loss is a decrease in body weight, when you did not try to lose the weight on your own. Many people gain and lose weight. Uninten...Read Article Now Book Mark Article 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? Have you injured your joint? Have you had an illness, rash, or fever? RashRashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Does resting or moving make the pain better or worse? Are certain positions more or less comfortable? Does keeping the joint elevated help? Do medicines, massage, or applying heat reduce the pain? What other symptoms do you have? Is there any numbness? NumbnessNumbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but they are often felt in your fingers, hands, feet, arms, or le...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Can you bend and straighten the joint? Does the joint feel stiff? Are your joints stiff in the morning? If so, for how long does the stiffness last? What makes the stiffness better?A physical exam will be done to look for signs of joint abnormality including:Swelling Tenderness Warmth Pain with motion Abnormal motion such as limitation, loosening of the joint, grating sensationTests that may be done include:Complete blood count (CBC) or blood differential Complete blood count (CBC)A complete blood count (CBC) test measures the following:The number of white blood cells (WBC count)The number of red blood cells (RBC count)The numb...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Blood differentialThe blood differential test measures the percentage of each type of white blood cell (WBC) that you have in your blood. It also reveals if there are...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article C-reactive protein Joint x-ray Joint x-rayThis test is an x-ray of a knee, shoulder, hip, wrist, ankle, or other joint.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Sedimentation rate Blood tests specific to various autoimmune disorders Joint aspiration to obtain joint fluid for culture, white cell count and examination for crystalsJoint aspirationJoint fluid culture is a laboratory test to detect infection-causing germs in a sample of fluid surrounding a joint.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article 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 rehabilitationOpen ReferencesReferencesBykerk 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.