What are the factors that cause joint pain?
Factors causing joint pain are gout, infections in the joint, bursitis which is the fluid-filled sacks that cushion joints, arthritis, tendinitis which is inflammation of tendons around the joints, and overuse of joints leading to pain and inflammation.
What are the common symptoms of joint pain?
Many times joint pain can be a reflection of an internal disease. The symptoms include joint tenderness, stiffness, limited range of movements, weakness of joints, and tiredness. Some joint pains are associated with rash and fever.
What are the autoimmune diseases associated with arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, mixed connective tissue disease, and Sjogren’s disease are a few common causes of inflammatory arthritis. There is more preponderance in young females and requires an entirely different approach than for osteoarthritis. These patients unfortunately may have involvement of their brain, eyes, heart, lungs, kidneys, and the liver. They require a long-term treatment approach and the treatment may include steroids and drugs that modify or suppress the immune system.
Can crystal disposition in the joint cavity cause arthritis?
The commonest is Uric acid crystals getting deposited in the joint causing severe pain. The great toes are the main sight of pain. However, except for the spine any joint can be involved. Gout is more common in individuals who have a genetic predisposition, obesity, metabolic disorders like diabetes, hypertension, and excess alcohol consumption.
What is the most common cause of joint pain?
Osteoarthritis of the joints is the most common cause. The joints involved would be the knees, ankles, small joints of the hand, the thumb, and the great toe. Cervical and lumbar spondylosis is a type of osteoarthritis of the spine. The ideal treatment for osteoarthritis includes simple analgesics, Physiotherapy, and weight reduction in some cases. Some patients may benefit by surgery. The best way to limit this disease is to remain active and prevent weight gain. The support of the physiotherapist helps immensely.
What are the other important causes of joint pain?
Fibromyalgia, major depressive disorder, Ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, rickets, and rheumatic fever are the other important causes of joint pain.
What are the basic investigations required to diagnose a painful joint?
After a thorough clinical examination, a doctor advises certain tests to support his clinical judgment. These may include blood counts, RA factor, anti-CCP, ANA, Uric acid level, X-ray, sonography, CT scan, and MRI may be required. Joint aspiration and examination of the fluid may help in specific instances like tuberculosis, bacterial infections, or crystal-induced arthritis. Most of the diagnosis is done clinically supported by investigations.
When to see a doctor?
If you have a fever with joint pain, redness of joints, hypertension, swelling over the body, skin rash, and very severe pain, not responding to home remedies you must see the doctor.
Is arthritis hereditary?
Certain forms of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and osteoarthritis have a genetic basis. Early diagnosis and methodical and diligent treatment may help to overcome many complications due to arthritis.
Is joint pain serious?
In some instances, joint pain can be associated with diabetes, cancer, autoimmune disorders, and certain viral infections. Hepatitis B and C and dengue fever can be associated with joint pain many viral and bacterial infections can be associated with joint pains.