Does your knee hurt when you walk down the stairs? Do your hands feel stiff in the morning? Maybe your kids have been complaining about joint pain as well.
No matter who in your family is feeling it, joint pain can be more than just a sign of getting older. It’s your body’s way of saying, “Hey, something’s not right.”
From kids with growing pains to older adults with arthritis, learn more about what joint pain could mean, what causes it and why seeing a health care provider early can make a big difference.
What is joint pain?
Joints are the parts of your body where two bones meet. Your knees, hips, elbows, shoulders, fingers and ankles are all joints. They help you move, bend and stay balanced.
Joint pain can show up in one joint or many. It can feel like stiffness, swelling, soreness or heat. Sometimes the pain comes and goes. Other times, it gets worse over time.
What causes joint pain?
Joint pain can come from many sources. Some causes are mild and short-lived. Others may get worse over time and need long-term care.
“Common causes of joint pain include arthritis — both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis — injuries like sprains or fractures, tendinitis, bursitis and autoimmune conditions like lupus,” said Samuel Ashby, DO, an orthopedic surgeon with Banner Health who specializes in hip and knee care.
1. Osteoarthritis (OA)
OA happens when the cartilage (the cushion between your bones) breaks down. Bones rub together, causing pain, swelling and stiffness. This wear-and-tear arthritis often affects knees, hips and hands.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
RA is an autoimmune disease. It causes the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy joints. RA usually affects the same joints on both sides of the body and can lead to long-term damage without treatment.
3. Injuries and overuse
Falls, sports injuries or repetitive movements can cause joint pain. These injuries may lead to tendinitis (inflamed tendons) or bursitis (inflamed fluid sacs), which cause pain and swelling near joints.
4. Gout
Gout is a form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid. It often strikes the big toes and causes intense, sudden pain, swelling and redness.
5. Autoimmune conditions and infections
Lupus, Lyme disease or infections in the joints can also cause pain and stiffness. These less common causes still need medical care.
Is my joint pain normal or something serious?
Some aches and pains are nothing to worry about. But joint pain that persists or worsens deserves a closer look.
“Normal aches are often mild, temporary and tied to overuse or a minor injury,” Dr. Ashby said. “They usually get better with rest. But if your joint pain is persistent, worsens over time or includes swelling, stiffness or trouble moving the joint, it needs medical attention.”
If your joint pain keeps you from doing your normal activities or enjoying life, it’s time to see your health care provider or an orthopedic specialist.
“Early diagnosis can prevent further joint damage, reduce pain and improve function,” Dr. Ashby said. “Waiting too long could lead to lasting damage and may even require surgery.”
Early treatment can also protect your muscles and keep your joints moving as they should.
How joint pain is diagnosed
To figure out what’s going on, your provider will ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam. They may also check how your joints move and look for swelling, heat or tenderness.
You may also need:
- X-rays to see bone changes or arthritis
- MRI or ultrasound to look at cartilage, tendons or ligaments
- Blood tests to check for inflammation or infection
- Joint fluid tests to diagnose gout or infection
These tools help your provider better understand what is causing your joint pain and how to treat it.
What are the treatment options?
Treatment depends on the cause, how bad the pain is and how it affects your life. In many cases, joint pain can be managed without surgery.
Options may include:
1. Medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help with short-term pain. For more serious cases, your provider might prescribe medications to reduce inflammation or control autoimmune disease.
2. Physical therapy
A physical therapist can teach you stretches and exercises to build strength, improve range of motion and reduce stress on your joints.
3. Lifestyle changes
Losing extra weight, eating a balanced diet, staying active and using proper body mechanics can protect your joints and ease pain.
4. Injections
Steroid injections or other medications can relieve inflammation in a painful joint. Hyaluronic acid injections (sometimes called rooster comb injections) can help cushion and lubricate the joint, especially in the knee.
What if joint pain gets worse?
Sometimes, even with early care, joint pain can get worse over time. At this point, your provider may talk to you about surgery.
“If your joint pain has progressed beyond the usefulness of non-operative management, it may be time to consider operative treatment,” Dr. Ashby said. “These options include arthroscopic procedures, partial knee resurfacing and total joint replacement, depending on the diagnosis.”
Minimally invasive surgery uses smaller cuts, which may help you heal faster and with less pain. This type of surgery can often be used for procedures like arthroscopy, where a small camera and tools are used to repair the joint.
In more advanced cases, a joint replacement (like a new hip or knee replacement) can relieve pain and help you move better. Your provider will decide what’s best based on the health of your joint, how active you are and your overall health.
No matter the treatment, the goal is to help you get back to doing the things you love without pain.
Bottom line
Joint pain can make it harder to care for your family, go to work or enjoy life. But help is available. You don’t have to face it alone.
At Banner Health, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you need physical therapy, injections or are exploring surgery, our experts will help you find the right treatment plan for your needs.
Want to know how joint pain is affecting your life? Take this free joint pain test to see how it may be impacting your sleep, mobility and everyday activities.
Your joints are worth protecting. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. Schedule an appointment with a Banner Health orthopedic specialist today.
