Joint Pain: Causes from Arthritis to Autoimmune Diseases

At-a-Glance

• Joint pain affects millions of Americans, with arthritis as the leading cause
• Can range from mild aching to severe, debilitating pain limiting movement
• Location and pattern (single vs. multiple joints) help identify the cause
• Most cases improve with rest, ice, gentle exercise, and OTC pain relievers
• Sudden severe pain with fever or redness needs immediate medical attention

What It Feels Like

Joint pain can hit one joint or several, ranging from that dull ache you notice when you move to sharp pain that makes you wince. You might feel stiffness when you first wake up or after sitting for a while. Sometimes joints swell up, feel warm, or look red.

Many people notice their joints grinding, clicking, or popping - not always painful but definitely noticeable. The pain might get worse with activity or actually feel better once you get moving (depends on the cause). If multiple joints hurt on both sides of your body (like both knees or both hands), that's an important clue for your doctor.

Common Causes

Osteoarthritis (Wear-and-Tear Arthritis)

This is the most common type, affecting over 32 million Americans. It happens when the cartilage cushioning your joints gradually wears down over years. You're more likely to get it as you age, if you're overweight, or if you've had joint injuries.

It typically affects knees, hips, hands, and spine. Pain usually gets worse with activity and better with rest. Morning stiffness usually lasts less than 30 minutes.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Unlike osteoarthritis, this is an autoimmune disease where your immune system attacks your joint linings. It typically affects the same joints on both sides of your body - both wrists, both ankles, etc.

Morning stiffness lasts an hour or more. You might notice fatigue, low-grade fever, and weight loss along with joint pain. It requires medication to prevent joint damage, so early diagnosis matters.

Gout

If you've never had gout, count yourself lucky - people describe it as excruciating. It happens when uric acid crystals form in joints, usually starting in your big toe. The joint becomes extremely painful, swollen, red, and hot.

Attacks often start at night and the pain peaks within 24 hours. Certain foods (red meat, seafood, alcohol) and medications can trigger attacks. The good news? Gout is very treatable with medication and dietary changes.

Injuries and Overuse

Sprains, strains, and repetitive motion can all cause joint pain. Athletes and people with physically demanding jobs know this well. Usually affects one joint and improves with rest, ice, and time.

Viral Infections

Sometimes viruses cause temporary joint pain and swelling. This usually goes away on its own within weeks.

What You Can Do

R.I.C.E. for acute pain:

• Rest: Avoid activities that stress the painful joint
• Ice: Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes several times daily
• Compression: Wrap with elastic bandage if swollen
• Elevation: Keep joint elevated above heart level when possible

Gentle movement helps. It sounds counterintuitive, but staying active with low-impact exercise (walking, swimming, cycling) actually reduces joint pain long-term. It strengthens supporting muscles and keeps joints flexible.

Maintain a healthy weight. Extra pounds put significant stress on weight-bearing joints, especially knees and hips. Losing even 10 pounds can reduce knee pain noticeably.

Over-the-counter options:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain
• NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) for pain and inflammation
• Topical creams with menthol or capsaicin
• Use as directed and talk to your doctor about long-term use

When to See a Doctor

Make an appointment if:

• Joint pain lasts more than a few weeks
• Pain is getting worse instead of better
• You have significant swelling, redness, or warmth
• Morning stiffness lasts over an hour
• Multiple joints are affected
• Joint pain limits your daily activities
• Home treatments aren't helping

Your doctor will examine the affected joint, ask about your symptoms, and may order X-rays or blood tests to determine the cause.

Common Questions

The Bottom Line

Joint pain has many causes, from wear-and-tear arthritis to autoimmune conditions to injuries. The pattern of your pain - which joints hurt, when they hurt, how many are affected - provides important clues about the cause.

Most joint pain improves with basic measures: rest when needed, ice for acute pain, gentle regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and appropriate use of OTC pain relievers. But don't ignore persistent or worsening pain. Early treatment of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis can prevent permanent damage.

If you're dealing with specific joint issues, check out our articles on knee pain, shoulder pain, or swollen ankles and feet for targeted information.