Common Joint Problems
Joint pain can be caused by many types of injuries or conditions. No matter what the cause, joint pain can be very bothersome and often debilitating. The good news is most joint problems are treatable and it is possible to live comfortably and get on with your daily activities.
Common Causes
- Exertion or overuse, including strains or sprains
- Injury, including fracture
- Gout
- Osteoarthritis
- Septic arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Infectious diseases
- Osteomyelitis
- Rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
Common Causes:
Exertion, overuse, strains, sprains and fractures; in today’s on-the-go lifestyle it is often easy to suffer from one of these common conditions. That’s why it is so important to maintain a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle through exercise and with a little common sense you can avoid such injuries.
Gout is a disease that afflicts mostly men. Women who are affected tend to be post-menopausal. Risk factors for gout are obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes, but the primary one is a high serum level of uric acid. A gout attack consists of painful swelling of the joints of the extremities, especially in the hands, feet and elbows. It can also cause lower back pain.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage in your joints wears down over time. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in your body, though it most commonly affects joints in your hands, hips, knees and spine. Osteoarthritis gradually worsens with time, and no cure exists. But osteoarthritis treatments can relieve pain and help you remain active.
Septic arthritis is an infection in a joint. The infection can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Typically, septic arthritis affects a single large joint, such as the knee or hip, but it is possible for several joints to be infected. Septic arthritis is considered a medical emergency because of the serious damage that can occur to bone and cartilage. Symptoms can include; fever, chills, severe pain, swelling of the joint, warmth near the affected joint, fatigue and weakness, nausea.
Tendonitis is when the tendons become inflamed for a variety of reasons. Commonly, individuals begin an exercise program, and begin to experience symptoms of tendonitis. The tendon is unaccustomed to the new level of demand, and this overuse will cause an inflammation and tendonitis.
Bursitis can cause joint pain (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.
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.