We all know that joints are parts of the body where the bones meet. They are the reasons we can move around. Shoulder, elbows, and hips are joints and so are the wrists and ankles. Pain in the joints can cause discomfort, soreness, and aches. If pain persists for a long time, it is best to consult a doctor immediately. The pain can be due to injury or some underlying medical condition.
Here are a few causes for joint pain:
Arthritis
This is one of the most common causes of joint pain.There are over 100 types of arthritis. It is generally seen in adults over the age of 65. It causes inflammation of joints. The symptoms generally develop over time. In rare cases, it is even seen in children and younger adults.
Osteoarthritis
This is a type of arthritis that is also known to be common. It is caused due to the breakdown of cartilage in the body. The joints weaken and cause pain when there is movement. Due to the lack of cartilage, the bones may cause friction due to direct contact and cause bone damage.
Sprains and strains
These are injuries that occur due to excess of physical activity or excursion. These are fairly common and can be minor and or severe in some cases. The extent of injury depends on the accident. If the pain and inflammation are severe, it is important to go to a hospital immediately. It may be a tear in the tissue.
Chronic fatigue syndrome
This generally goes unnoticed since people generally assume the joint pain is due to tiredness. CFS is difficult to diagnose and can persist for a few hours or even months. It is most common in women in their 40’s and 50’s. Environmental factors are said to be the reason behind CFS.
Bursitis
Bursae are sacs of fluids that are present in the joints. They surround the area where the skin and tendons meet the bones. The pain arises because the bursae are inflamed. Increased friction between the bones makes the condition worse. They are usually caused due to injury or damage to the bursa.
Spondylitis
It is one of the most common cause of joint pain that is generally seen in women. It is a type of arthritis that affects the spine. Severe inflammation will lead to disability and chronic pain. It can also lead to stiffness in other joints. Genetics are said to be the most common cause behind spondylitis.
Bone infection
An infection in the bone can cause fungi and bacteria to invade the bone. It is caused due to organisms that enter the bloodstream through wounds and cuts. The organism is most often found to be Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria. It causes infection in the arms, legs, spine, and feet. It can spread throughout the body and cause permanent damage to the bone if left untreated.
Tendinitis
Tendons are the thick cords that join the muscles to the bones. When the joint pain is caused due to the inflammation or irritation of the tendons, it is said to be tendinitis. It causes joint pain and discomfort in the affected region. It can be caused due to old age, injury or other diseases.