Pain in the joints is one of the most common symptoms an individual experiences due to an injury or an underlying disease. Some other features or symptoms can accompany joint pain. Joint inflammation, redness, swelling, warmth around the joint, loss of movement or stiffness, and weakness are some such symptoms.
While Osteosarcoma, Juvenile arthritis, and fractures are more common reasons for joint pain in children, the reasons differ for adults. Let’s have a look at the top 7 reasons for Joint Pain in Adults
Osteoporosis
The literal translation of Osteoporosis is holes in the bones. A normal healthy bone has a honeycomb pattern. In this disease, the honeycomb pattern is disturbed as the spaces within it increases. The bone loses its density and strength and leads to aches and pains.
You may have pain in the back and neck and also easily fracture yourself. Osteoporosis is commonly seen among individuals above the age of 35 and women who have reached menopause. Old age and Hyperthyroidism are also causative factors.
The diagnosis of Osteoporosis is by general physical examination and a bone density test. Hospitals, including Medicover Hospital Secretariat Road, have diagnostic facilities which include DEXA scan for bone density measurement.
Gout
The build-up of uric acid leads to a medical condition called Gout. Its most common feature is swelling and pain in the feet. The big toe is mostly affected, and you may have difficulty wearing your footwear and walking in it. There is a sensation of warmth on the affected area, and in severe cases, there is lump formation which can damage the joints permanently.
Gout is common among middle-aged people and menopausal woman. A family history of Gout or medical history of diseases related to kidney, thyroid, bp or diabetes includes common risk factors.
The diagnosis of Gout is usually done based on past medical and family history, test for uric acid levels and X-ray.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a type of arthritis which has a direct link with the wear and tear of the joints. This is mostly due to the regular use of the joint. The protective cartilage between the joint wears out and cause discomfort and pain. The most common symptoms include stiffness and tenderness of the joints, inflammation, loss of elasticity, severe pain, and in some cases, swelling and grating sensation.
Osteoarthritis is common among elderly people, individuals who are obese, have family members with osteoarthritis or are born with bone deformities.
Blood tests, joint fluid analysis, and imaging techniques like X-ray and MRI are the technology of choice for the diagnosis of Osteoarthritis.
Dislocations and Fractures
A dislocation is an injury in which the bone slips out of its socket. Usually seen during accidents, dislocation can happen in any of the joints and is quite painful.
Common symptoms include pain and swelling near and around the joint, lack of movement and stiffness, numbness or tingling feeling.
Diagnosis for a dislocation is fairly easy as the medical history and X-ray will support it.
A fracture happens when the bone in the body breaks. These fractures can happen near or on the joint and cause pain, swelling, loss of movement, among other symptoms.
Fractures are most seen during accidents, sports injuries or during a fall. Fractures can also happen in the case of medical conditions like osteoporosis or cancer. An X-ray is usually sufficient to diagnose a fracture.
Lupus
Lupus is an autoimmune disease which causes inflammation. Though there is no defined treatment for it, its management with medications is sufficient. The inflammation due to Lupus is not just limited to joints but also includes skin, blood and organs like the heart, kidneys, lungs.
Fatigue, body aches, joint pains, rashes, fever, swollen joints are some symptoms of Lupus. Lupus is more common among women and ages 15- 40 years. Causes include a family history of Lupus, exposure to harmful chemicals and toxins like silica, genetics and hormonal changes.
There are no defined tests for Lupus diagnosis though the doctor asks for tests to eliminate disease options. Family history and past medical history are key for the diagnosis.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Another auto-immune disease, Rheumatoid arthritis presents with inflammation in the joints, along with painful swelling, stiffness and in severe cases, joint deformities. The diseases can also affect the skin, bone marrow, salivary glands, organs like the lungs, kidneys and heart.
Middle-age people, individuals with a family history of rheumatoid arthritis, smoking habits, obesity are all risk factors for the disease Some common complication of the disease is osteoporosis, dry mouth, infections, heart and lung diseases.
Diagnostic measures include blood tests (ESR, CRP, rheumatoid factors), imaging tests like X-ray, MRI, which are available in multi-speciality hospitals like Medicover Hospital Secretariat Road.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis is a disease which involves the inflammation of the tendons. Tendons are responsible for connecting the muscles to the bones. Tendinitis is known by its other names, according to the joint. Some of them are Tennis Elbow, Jumper’s knee, Swimmer’s Shoulder, Golfer’s elbow.
Pain, stiffness and tenderness are some symptoms of this condition. It can be as a result of an injury, due to age, diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes.
A general physical examination helps in diagnosing this problem. An MRI, ultrasound or Xray can also help to finalise the diagnosis.
