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Joint pain is a symptom that usually suggests something is going wrong inside a joint.
Joints occur anywhere in the body where two or more bones meet, and are relatively complex. They contain ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and lubricating fluid, all of which allow your body to move and function effortlessly. Problems with any of these structures, including the bones that meet at the joint, can cause pain.
The pain can be mild and bothersome or severe and quite debilitating. Pain may occur only when the joint is active, or it can hurt continuously even at rest. It can also affect one joint or multiple joints. Joint pain is frequently caused by chronic conditions like arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
If you’re experiencing swelling, pain, or limited mobility because of pain in your joints, an orthopedic doctor at Dignity Health can assess your symptoms and provide complete care for your condition. If you’re looking for a specialist for joint pain, Find a Doctor today.
In addition to joint pain itself, you may notice other symptoms depending on the type of condition or injury. During your doctor appointment, you should mention any other symptoms that occur with your joint pain, such as:
There are many potential causes of joint pain. Any information you share with your doctor about your situation can help lead to the right diagnosis.
A variety of conditions can cause joint pain, such as:
While joint pain can be the result of an acute injury such as a fall or collision, it can also result from repetitive motion or aging-related degeneration. Some activities and lifestyle factors make these kinds of joint issues more likely. Common risk factors for joint pain include:
Joint pain is very common and can’t always be avoided, but it is possible to reduce your risk, for example by:
Your doctor can also recommend further steps to help you avoid joint pain or reinjury, based on your personal health history.
The information contained in this article is meant for educational purposes only and should not replace advice from your healthcare provider.