Medical Health Encyclopedia

Joint pain

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Skeleton The structure of a joint

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Joint pain

Definition:

Joint pain can affect one or more joints. See also arthritis (inflammation of joints), muscle pain, and bursitis.

Alternative Names:
Stiffness in a joint; Pain - joints; Arthralgia

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Considerations:

Joint pain can be caused by many types of injuries or conditions. No matter what causes it, joint pain can be very bothersome.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes stiffness and pain in the joints. Osteoarthritis involves growth of bone spurs and degeneration of cartilage at a joint. It is very common in adults older than 45 and can cause joint pain.

Joint pain may also be caused by bursitis (inflammation of the bursae). The bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion and pad bony prominences, allowing muscles and tendons to move freely over the bone.

Common Causes:

• Unusual exertion or overuse, including strains or sprains
• Injury, including fracture
• Gout (especially found in the big toe)
• Osteoarthritis
• Septic arthritis
• Tendonitis
• Bursitis
• Infectious diseases, including
  • Influenza
  • Measles (rubeola)
  • Rheumatic fever
  • Epstein-Barr viral syndrome
  • Hepatitis
  • Mumps
  • Rubella (German measles)
  • Varicella (chickenpox)
• Chondromalacia patellae
• Osteomyelitis
• Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus

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