What is joint pain?

Joint pain, or arthralgia, is a common cause of discomfort, aching or soreness in one or more joints. Your body has hundreds of joints that connect bones and allow your body to move. When those joints become painful, you may find yourself unable to participate in daily activities and, as a result, have a lower quality of life.

Joint pain can range from mild and manageable to severe and disabling. It can affect a single joint or many joints throughout your body. Sometimes, the pain occurs because of an injury (acute joint pain), but in other cases, your joint pain may be related to a chronic condition. Regardless, an orthopedic specialist can help you find ways to manage or reduce your discomfort.

man stretching in the woods on a hiking trail

Types of joint pain

Joint pain can affect any joint in your body. Joint pain can occur within the joint, for example, when you experience an injury or when cartilage, which normally prevents bone from rubbing on bone, wears away.

You can also feel joint pain when ligaments, tendons and muscles surrounding the joint are injured or inflamed. Although this isn’t the same as arthralgia, your orthopedic specialist can help determine your pain’s cause and point you toward the best treatment option.

Commonly affected joints include:

Joint pain symptoms

Joint pain is often a symptom of another condition, but you can experience it in different ways depending on the underlying cause. Pain may be persistent, but it can also occur with activity and go away when you’re resting.

Other symptoms you may have with joint pain include:

  • Crepitus, a cracking or grating sensation when you move the joint
  • Redness and warmth in the skin over the affected joint
  • Reduced range of motion in the joint
  • Stiffness, particularly after periods of inactivity
  • Swelling that makes the joint appear larger or puffy
  • Weakness in the muscles surrounding the joint

When to see a doctor

See an orthopedic provider if you have joint pain that limits your daily activities, does not go away or occurs with crepitus, redness, warmth, stiffness, swelling and muscle weakness.

In some cases, infections or other serious conditions can cause joint pain, so see your provider if you experience sudden, intense pain or pain along with any of the following:

  • A fever, sweating or chills
  • A rash or other skin changes, such as spots, purple patches or dimples in the nails
  • An inability to walk normally
  • Pain in the abdomen
  • Pain in the chest, difficulty breathing, or a persistent, severe cough
  • Pain or redness in the eyes
  • Ulcers in the mouth, nose or genital area
  • Unexplained weight loss

Joint pain causes

The most common causes of joint pain include:

  • Osteoarthritis: This type of arthritis happens when the cartilage cushioning your bones wears away over time, leading to pain and stiffness. It develops slowly, typically after age 45.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): A chronic condition that causes joint swelling, pain and deformity, often affecting the fingers and wrists.
  • Gout: This painful condition occurs when acidic crystals build up in a joint, causing pain and swelling, usually in the big toe.
  • Bursitis: Caused by overuse, bursitis commonly affects the hip, knee, elbow or shoulder.
  • Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons, often due to overuse, generally affecting the elbow, heel or shoulder.

Viral infections, rashes, fever or injuries like fractures or sprains can also trigger joint pain.

patient grasping their wrist from arthritis pain

Joint pain risk factors

Joint pain is more common in people who have:

  • Arthritis or other chronic medical conditions
  • Previous joint injuries
  • Repeatedly used or overused muscles
  • Depression, anxiety or stress
  • A BMI over 25 (overweight) or 30 (obesity)
  • Age is also a factor, as joint issues often develop after years of wear and tear, usually starting after age 45

Diagnosing joint pain

If you’re experiencing persistent joint pain, your primary care provider can provide an initial exam and order various tests to identify the underlying condition. They may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon for a more detailed evaluation based on the results of the exam and any tests you have.

Joint pain treatment

Joint pain can often be managed with over-the-counter medications or simple daily exercises that may provide relief. However, ongoing pain could suggest a more serious issue that may require prescription medication or surgery.

Your treatment plan will be determined by your care team based on your diagnosis, age, activity level and other treatments attempted in the past. Joint pain treatment options may include:

At-home care

You can attempt some joint pain treatments at home. For example:

  • Rest: Rest reduces pressure on the affected joint and allows it time to heal.
  • Ice: Applying an ice pack for approximately 15 minutes every two to three hours may reduce joint inflammation.
  • Exercise: Stretching and low-impact exercises, such as walking, can improve your joint strength and range of motion. Physical activity can also help you lose weight. Being overweight can increase pressure on your joints.

Ease in every step

Liz Sigman shares her hip replacement experience and how she healed with confidence.

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Frequently asked questions