Joint pain: what they are, what they tell us

By Cristiano Antonino On Apr 17, 2023

Joint pain is also clinically referred to as arthralgia and refers to any form of pain affecting the joints and surrounding tissues

The incidence on the world population is quite vast, in fact starting from the age of 60, about 9.6% of men and 18% of women are affected by osteoarthritis in at least one joint.

In Europe, musculoskeletal diseases, of which arthritis occupies a large proportion, afflict about 50% of the population.

It is one of the most common pain conditions and is generated by trauma or acute or chronic inflammation.

It is generally also accompanied by an alteration of joint function which therefore reduces the possibility of movement.

If in the early stages arthralgia can be painless, in the later stages it can instead be an even disabling situation, for this reason it is essential to know what it is, identify the causes and therefore the treatments to be carried out.

In general, as soon as the first symptoms are found, it is essential to consult a specialist, a rheumatologist who knows how to make a correct diagnosis and therefore administer the right therapy.

Joint pain: what are they?

Joint pain or arthralgia is a very common condition and in some cases it can be traced back to specific pathologies, while in others it can be traced back to situations of stress, physical fatigue or flu.

In general, therefore, joint pain means a sensation of pain localized in one or more joints of the body and can also be linked to surrounding tissues and elements, such as tendons, ligaments or capsules.

Joint pain can occur in various forms and levels of intensity, it can also present a swelling and redness of the affected area, combined with reduced joint mobility.

Joint pain should not be confused with other pain conditions originating from tendons or muscles, such as in the case of tendonitis or bursitis.

Among the most common pathologies associated with joint pain there is certainly arthritis which consists of a real joint inflammation.

But joint pain understood as arthralgia is not necessarily connected to arthritis and therefore to an inflammatory state.

This painful state can affect the limbs, but also the central part of the skeleton such as the spine or the pelvis, and can occur both in a state of movement and at rest.

Arthralgia can affect a single joint, or several joints: given the complexity and possible impact on the quality of life of this condition, it is essential to consult a specialist doctor who can identify the causes.

What are the causes

As anticipated, joint pains are not necessarily linked to a specific pathology, but can derive from various causes:

trauma such as dislocations, fractures, or sprains;
inflammation such as arthritis;
degenerative processes affecting the cartilage bearings of the joints, therefore osteoarthritis;
rheumatoid arthritis;
bursitis or tendonitis;
gout;
hypothyroidism;
lupus erythematosus;
sarcoidosis;
fibromyalgia;
osteomyelitis;
leukemia;
bone cancer;
some sexually transmitted diseases such as gonorrhea and chlamydia;
meningitis;
hepatitis;
Crohn’s disease;
osteoporosis.

This is a non-exhaustive list, which also includes other pathologies.

To these must then be added the pathological situations that are not well defined, such as premenstrual syndrome, the side effect following the intake of antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs and flu states.

However, it is essential to distinguish between acute pain that lasts a few days, and chronic pain that can last for months or years.

The symptoms of joint pain are clear and recognizable

A state of pain is perceived which is usually described as dull and deep, and can be acute or chronic, therefore it can only last a few days, or it can last over time.

Pain may be associated with swelling of the affected part, redness and warmth.

The pain can occur both at rest (and even during the night), and instead exclusively when a movement is made.

One of the symptoms most frequently associated with arthralgia is the limitation of joint movements, which can be mild or can lead to a state of disability.

Furthermore, the pain can be perceived at the level of a single joint or in several joints, and can radiate to the neighboring areas.

Other symptoms related to arthralgia are:

fatigue;
joint stiffness;
muscle weakness;
numbness;
reduced skin sensitivity;
burning, stinging or itching.

Diagnosis and treatment of joint pain

If the pain is transient and does not have a high level of depth, the arthralgia can be connected to a temporary problem that resolves itself within a few days.

If, on the other hand, the condition is persistent, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will carry out the necessary checks to identify the causes and therefore, the treatment.

The diagnosis can therefore be made by the general practitioner or by the rheumatologist, both of whom will first proceed with the collection of the patient’s pathological and family history.

They will then proceed with an objective examination that will investigate the type of pain and its level of depth, when it started, and will look for other symptoms that may herald specific pathologies.

Further diagnostic and instrumental tests can then be carried out to investigate the origin of the pain more precisely.

Among these are ultrasound to evaluate the state of soft tissues, blood tests that help to understand the presence of inflammation or possible pathologies, radiography, magnetic resonance, computed tomography and examination of the synovial fluid.

The examination of the synovial fluid consists in examining the lubricating fluid present at the joint level.

This liquid performs a protective function of the ends of the bones and reduces the friction of the joints during movement.

It is very useful for diagnosing inflammatory diseases such as gout, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases related to the immune system, as well as chronic septic arthritis which concerns infectious diseases.

The treatment that will be administered depends on the origin of the pain and therefore varies according to the individual situation of each patient.

It is also very important to know that not all painful conditions can be solved, in fact some are degenerative or chronic and therefore can only be controlled.

Topical therapies such as ointments, or oral drugs in particular non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can then be administered.

Furthermore, during the acute phase, absolute rest for 7-15 days and the intake of anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxants can be prescribed.

Hot compresses may also be prescribed which relieve muscle pain, or cold compresses which instead relieve pain caused by joint inflammation.

In the case of severe inflammation, corticosteroids can be taken, always on the doctor’s recommendation, or hyaluronic acid infiltrations can be performed.

Among the instrumental therapies that can be carried out are tecar therapy or ultrasound, combined with physical rehabilitation therapies.

Finally, in some cases surgery can be used to replace the joint with an artificial prosthesis.

Can joint pain be prevented?

Many wonder if it is possible to prevent joint pain. If caused by specific pathologies, unfortunately there is no real prevention, but in general it is good practice to follow some simple rules that allow the symptoms to be alleviated.

It is essential to avoid excessive overloads that the body cannot handle, it is also very important to maintain correct posture at all times of the day and it is important to maintain a good weight.

Strengthening the muscles is essential to keep fit and not to strain the joints excessively: for this reason it is very important to maintain an active lifestyle.

Finally, diet can also have an influence: it is necessary to limit the consumption of alcohol and smoking, as well as limiting a diet rich in salt and fat.

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