<p>Alternative names    </p>
<p>Stiffness in a joint; Pain - joints; Arthralgia </p>
<p>Definition    </p>
<p>Joint pain can affect one or more joints. See also arthritis (inflammation of joints), muscle pain, and bursitis.</p>
<p>Considerations    </p>
<p>Joint pain can be caused by many types of injuries or conditions. No matter what causes it, joint pain can be very bothersome.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Joint pain may also be caused by bursitis (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.</p>
<p>Common Causes    </p>
<p>•	Unusual exertion or overuse, including strains or sprains<br />
•	Injury, including fracture<br />
•	Gout (especially found in the big toe)<br />
•	Osteoarthritis<br />
•	Septic arthritis<br />
•	Tendonitis<br />
•	Bursitis<br />
•	Infectious diseases, including<br />
o	Influenza<br />
o	Measles (rubeola)<br />
o	Rheumatic fever<br />
o	Epstein-Barr viral syndrome<br />
o	Hepatitis<br />
o	Mumps<br />
o	Rubella (German measles)<br />
o	Varicella (chickenpox)<br />
•	Chondromalacia patellae<br />
•	Osteomyelitis<br />
•	Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus </p>
<p>Home Care    </p>
<p>Follow prescribed therapy in treating the underlying cause.</p>
<p>For nonarthritis joint pain, both rest and exercise are important. Warm baths, massage, and stretching exercises should be used as frequently as possible.</p>
<p>Anti-inflammatory medications may help relieve pain and swelling. Consult your health care provider before giving aspirin or NSAIDs such as ibruprofen to children.</p>
<p>Call your health care provider if<br />
•	Fever is not associated with flu symptoms<br />
•	You have involuntary weight loss of 10 pounds or more<br />
•	The joint pain persists beyond 3 days<br />
•	You have severe, unexplained joint pain especially if accompanied by other unexplained symptoms </p>
<p>What to expect at your health care provider's office    </p>
<p>Your health care provider will perform a physical examination. The following questions may help your provider identify the cause of your joint pain:</p>
<p>•	Which joint hurts? Is the pain on one side or both sides?<br />
•	How long have you been having this pain? Have you had it before?<br />
•	Did this pain begin suddenly and severely -- or slowly and mildly?<br />
•	Is the pain constant or does it come and go? Has the pain become more severe?<br />
•	What started your pain -- have you injured your joint?<br />
•	Have you had an illness or fever?<br />
•	Does resting the joint reduce the pain or make it worse?<br />
•	Does moving the joint reduce the pain or make it worse?<br />
•	Are certain positions comfortable? Does keeping the joint elevated help?<br />
•	Do medications, massage, or applying heat reduce the pain?<br />
•	What other symptoms do you have?<br />
•	Is there any numbness?<br />
•	Can you bend and straighten the joint? Does the joint feel stiff? </p>
<p>Diagnostic tests that may be performed include the following: </p>
<p>•	Blood studies -- CBC or blood differential<br />
•	Joint x-ray </p>
<p>Physical therapy for muscle and joint rehabilitation may be recommended.</p>
