Joint pain is one of the most common health complaints, affecting people of all ages.
Whether it’s caused by arthritis, sports injuries, or everyday wear and tear, pain, stiffness and swelling can interfere with daily activities and quality of life. Understanding the causes and knowing the treatment options can help you stay active and comfortable.
Common causes of joint pain
While various aches and pains can plague your joints, the most common culprit is arthritis. Pain, stiffness and swelling are the hallmarks of arthritis, and the source of frequent visits to orthopaedic physicians.
“Within the realm of arthritis there are actually many different types, but the two most common forms are osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis, which includes conditions like rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis,” said Endeavor Health orthopaedic surgeon Mohammed Ahmed, MD.
Arthritis-related joint pain
- Osteoarthritis: This is the most common, and it is the result of regular wear and tear and a degenerative condition causing the cartilage to wear away. “Just about everyone will have some degree of osteoarthritis if they live long enough,” said Dr. Ahmed.
- Inflammatory arthritis: Less common, these are autoimmune conditions — like rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis — that typically have a genetic component.
Injury-related joint pain
For younger people, injuries from repetitive or improper use are also frequent causes of joint problems. A sprain at the joint capsule, or a strained tendon that spans a joint can create chronic conditions like tennis or golfers’ elbow, added Dr. Ahmed.
How to identify the cause of joint pain
Seeing a specialist when you’re dealing with joint pain is the best way to find the optimal treatment.
“Self-diagnosis is not a good idea,” emphasized Dr. Ahmed. Any new or worsening pain that lingers — or any injury from trauma — should be evaluated promptly.
Proper diagnosis is key to effective treatment. Imaging with X-rays or MRIs can help determine the exact nature of the pain and joint problem and direct the best course of action for treatment.
How joint pain is treated
“Our main goals in treating common conditions like arthritis are to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life,” said Dr. Ahmed.
Treatments for common conditions — whether it’s arthritis or runners’ knee — can typically begin with a simple and conservative approach.
- Modifying activities is often the best place to start, said Dr. Ahmed. And when pain persists, physical therapy to help strengthen the muscles around the joint and improve range of motion and mobility can be a game changer.
- Over the counter anti-inflammatory medications help many patients challenged with osteoarthritis. And steroid injections can help bring down inflammation in a damaged joint, helping to reduce pain.
When it’s time for surgery
“The majority of patients who come to see an orthopaedic specialist can get better without surgery,” said Dr. Ahmed. But when the conservative measures are not enough to alleviate pain and quality of life is diminished, it may be time to consider surgical repair or replacement of a joint.
For acute traumatic injuries to the bone, think a broken wrist from a slip on the ice, surgery is often required for optimal recovery, said Dr. Ahmed.
“This, however, depends on the age of the patient. Many pediatric patients don’t need surgery to repair a fracture and can be treated in a cast, as their healing potential is much greater than in older adults.” It’s important to ensure that the bone remodels to its normal alignment in recovery.
Supporting healthy joints
Maintaining joint health can help prevent worsening pain and preserve mobility. Even small lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce discomfort and improve quality of life:
- Regular low-impact exercise, such as swimming, cycling, and walking, can help strengthen muscles without stressing joints.
- Weight management reduces pressure on weight-bearing joints.
- Ergonomics for work, and proper techniques for sports, help to avoid repetitive strain.
Timing matters
Timing is crucial in the case of fractures and other acute injuries, as the bone or tendon may already start healing and if the alignment is off, that can create a bigger problem.
“Any new or worsening pain that lingers beyond five to seven days should be evaluated and certainly any traumatic event that results in an injury should be looked at,” said Dr. Ahmed.
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