Millions of individuals are adversely affected by joint pain. For a number of these people the pain can be debilitating. Joint pain can result from numerous types of injuries or conditions. Injuries can impact any of the ligaments, bursae, or tendons around the joints. Cartilage and the bones within the joint are also impacted by injury. Arthritic joint inflammation and infection are some of the conditions that cause joint pain. We take a look at some of the most common joint pain causes along with potential treatments.

Osteoarthritis

The most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis, is one of the biggest causes of joint pain. It is sometimes called degenerative arthritis since it often wears on the bones that are connected to the joints. Eventually the cartilage is worn out. As can be expected, this leads to a number of conditions such as, joint pain, inflammation, and loss of functionality in more severe cases. This condition affects some 10 percent of Americans. Initial signs usually start to show at around 50 years of age, and typically progresses as one ages. Osteoarthritis most commonly affects the larger joints, causing joint pain in the knees, hips, and back. Since mobility plays such an important role with these joints, osteoarthritis can be rather incapacitating. There are a number of risks that predispose an individual to the likelihood of osteoarthritis. Over weight individuals are much more likely to develop osteoarthritis, when compared to individuals of average weight. In fact, recent statistics show that those burdened by obesity are 3 times more likely. Heredity also plays a major role. Those that have a history of osteoarthritis in their families are more likely to develop the condition.

The medical community has yet to find a cure for this common type of arthritis. So, the goal is to treat the discomfort, be reducing inflammation as well as the pain. Possible treatments for this begin with weight reduction programs when necessary, along with NSAIDs, or Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. Vioxx, Celebrex and Bextra have been commonly used NSAIDs, but they've had their share of side effects. Just recently Vioxx was in the news for its increased likelihood of stroke and heart attack when taken over the long term. Consequently it has been pulled from the shelves, as has Bextra. Not to be left out, Celebrex has had its fair share of criticism. Alternatively, joint pain supplements such as glucosamine and fish oil have proven effective, so they are often recommended. In extreme cases joint replacement surgery is an option.

One of the most severe causes of joint pain is rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This debilitating autoimmune disease causes inflammation around the tissue surrounding the joints and bodies organs. Rheumatoid arthritis is particularly damaging because it often leads to long-term joint damage, which can result in severe chronic pain and loss of functionality. Initially symptoms such as swelling and stiffness begin to flare up. This is eventually followed by thickening of the synovium, which is a result of cell growth and division. As the disease progresses further, the underlying joint tends to lose shape and alignment. This results in continued pain, loss of mobility, as well as possible deformity.

Since rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease, it will continue on its path of destruction and may never go away. So, current treatments focus on eliminating pain and inflammation, rather than curing it. As is the case with osteoarthritis, anti-inflammatory drugs are helpful in treating the disease, but may result in side effects. Cortisone treatments are helpful in the short term, but aren't typically suitable for long-term use. Disease-modifying ant rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) have been utilized successfully to slow the progress of the disease. Analgesics are prescribed to help deal with chronic pain. The general medical consensus is that RA should be treated aggressively, regardless of how early the stage may be. This improves the chance for remission and may prevent more serious development when caught early. Studies have shown less joint damage in subjects whom had early and aggressive treatments. This has proven especially true when utilizing DMARDs.

Gout is a painful arthritis related condition. It is a disease created by high levels of uric acid in one or more of the joints. Individuals with gout suffer from acute attacks of pain, redness and tenderness in the joints. As the uric acid levels build, crystals form in the joints, which causes joint pain and inflammation. The feet as well as the hands are most commonly affected by the condition. Though, in chronic conditions the kidney can eventually be negatively impacted. Gout typically affects those beyond middle age, and can begin in the early 50s. Gout sufferers are most commonly male, but woman are susceptible after menopause.

The good news is that gout is treatable, so the risk of reoccurrence can be minimized. The initial treatment for gout usually strives to eliminate the pain and inflammation so common with this problem. After that is accomplished the goal is to curb any future outbreaks. This can be done by lowering the supply of purine in the blood; foods rich in purine should be reduced or eliminated. These most commonly include meats and seafood. This helps in lowering blood uric-acid levels and dissolving the crystals. Drinking lots of water can also help flush uric acid from your body. Medications, joint pain supplements, and dietary changes can all be prescribed to treat this painful disorder.

Injury – One of the major causes of joint pain is injury.Things like bone fractures, cartilage tears, and sprains put undo stress on the surrounding joints. In fact, joint pain can be a leading indicator that you have an injury. As is often the case the joints are the first to tell you there is a problem. If these warning signs are ignored chronic conditions can develop.

Bursitis – Inflammation of the bursa. Though you may have never heard the name bursa, you actually have about 150 of them throughout your body. The bursa is a small fluid filled sac that prevents friction amongst tendons and joints. When bursitis occurs and the bursa becomes inflamed, movement and any pressure can result in pain. This pain typically affects the larger joints, like those associated with the hips, knees, shoulders, and the like.

Tendonitis – The tendon is the flexible tissue that connects your muscles to your bones. Its responsibility is to move the bone when muscles contract. Tendons come in all shapes in sizes, depending on location. Finger tendons are obviously quite a bit smaller than their larger limb counterparts. Tendonitis can impact any of the body's tendons. By definition tendonitis is the inflammation of tendons (tendon + "itis" which means inflammation). This irritation of the tendon is cause for joint pain. It can be caused by a number of activities, such as gardening, tennis, golf, throwing, and the like. Tendonitis can affect just about anyone, though it's more common in older adults. Treatment involves making sure the affected area is sedentary, the area is iced post injury, along with medication. If the problem persists it's recommended that you see a doctor. The doctor may prescribe corticosteroid (steroid) injections, physical therapy, or surgery in chronic cases.

Disease - Both infectious diseases as well as autoimmune diseases can cause joint pain. Common infectious diseases such as the flu, mumps, or other diseases that may be contagious can cause discomfort. Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis are very common causes of joint pain. Autoimmune disease by definition is an illness where the tissues of the body are mistakenly attacked by its own immune system. Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation, swollen joints and tenderness. Osteoporosis is well known as a bone disorder that causes joint pain. It deteriates bones, and thus the surrounding joints are affected. Treatment can include typical joint pain remedies, though solving the underlying disease is paramount.