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Joint pain: what could be wrong?

While the occasional twinge is probably not a worry, joint pain that lingers or is severe could be a sign of a serious problem.

When performed properly, exercise can help reduce joint pain and stiffness, and increase flexibility, muscle strength and endurance.

Determining the cause

Pain is the body's alarm system. But with joint pain, it is often difficult to determine the cause. Sometimes it's obvious—like when you strain your ankle playing basketball. Other times, joint pain develops for no obvious reason.

Common causes of joint pain include:

• Sprains, tears or other injuries to surrounding ligaments or dislocated joints
• Fluid that accumulates around the joint
• Bursitis, an inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that ease friction between tendons and bones—often caused by overuse or injury, bursitis typically affects the shoulders, elbows or knees
• Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two of the most common forms of arthritis—a group of more than 100 different diseases. Both are more likely to strike women
• Osteoarthritis typically occurs in middle age when the cartilage that protects joints becomes worn or deteriorates because of injury, overuse or disease. The spine, knees, hips, thumbs and big toes are commonly affected. Pain usually worsens when sufferers use the affected joint
• Rheumatoid arthritis usually strikes between the ages of 25 and 50. It may be caused by a viral infection or an overactive immune system. The wrists and knuckles are most commonly affected. Other joints may also hurt. Sufferers usually feel stiff and achy in the morning. Joints are inflamed and warm to the touch
• A variety of other illnesses, including fibromyalgia, lupus, congenital bone disease, hepatitis, Lyme disease, thyroid disorders and diabetes
• Certain medications, such as steroids

Easing the pain of arthritic joints

One of the best prescriptions for arthritis—the most common cause of joint pain—is exercise. When performed properly, exercise can help reduce joint pain and stiffness, and increase flexibility, muscle strength and endurance.

First discuss exercise options with your doctor. Many people with arthritis begin with easy range-of-motion exercises that help maintain normal joint movement and relieve stiffness. Adding aerobic, strength-training and stretching activities can also be beneficial.

Ask your doctor what types of movement should be avoided. Also, take a break from exercise if your joints become painful or swollen.

Besides exercise, the following measures also may ease arthritic joint pain. Talk to your doctor to determine which can work best for you:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Cold packs or heat treatments
• An electric blanket or mattress pad to fight morning stiffness
• Relaxation techniques, such as imagery or hypnosis
• Massage
• Biofeedback, which helps you relax and control your body's reaction to pain
• Acupuncture

When to seek help

Pain from minor injuries and bursitis may be relieved with the following steps—often referred to by the acronym RICE:

• Rest
• Ice the affected joint
• Compress the area with elastic dressings
• Elevate the affected limb above the heart

If these self-care strategies don't help, call your doctor. Always seek medical attention for joint pain that is severe, persistent or accompanied by swelling, fever or other serious symptoms.

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