Causes of Unusual Joint Pain

There is nothing more frustrating than being in pain all of the time and not knowing the reason. It is especially frustrating when that pain has to do with the joints. The joints are used on on a daily basis, so when they become sore and even swollen, it is hard not to notice. There are multiple reasons for joint pain--it just isn't always clear all the time.

Hormonal Imbalance

This particular cause of joint pain is mainly connected to women and their estrogen level. When women begin to approach menopause, their estrogen level goes up and then down, up and then down again. This fluctuation in estrogen causes inflammation around the joints and becomes very painful. If you are approaching menopause and you have recently started noticing joint pain that wasn't there before, talk to your doctor about the possibility of falling estrogen levels.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of the joints therefore causing them to stiffen, swell and become painful. If the symptoms are recognized early on, then the treatment is much more successful. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain in the joints that come in pairs, such as fingers and toes, and then also in the ankles and back area. The pain and swelling will be more noticeable in the mornings due to a long duration of inactivity. If you have fatigue, fever and loss of energy along with the above symptoms, consult your doctor.

Bursitis

Bursitis can cause joint pain when the fluid around the joints becomes inflamed and the bones rub up against each other. Bursitis is more common when a particular movement is repeated over and over again, wearing out the lining (or fluid) around the joints. Age is also a factor in bursitis, causing the fluid that cushions the joints to break down and rub up against each other. Onset symptoms will include lingering pain, which can be dull or severe, around the joint, and will look red and feel warm.

Gouty Arthritis

Gouty arthritis occurs in the toes (mainly the big toe), feet, ankles and knees. It is also more common in men. It is due to a high increase of uric acid in the blood that form hard crystals which push up against the joints. Gouty arthritis attacks happen more in the evening after there has been ample blood flow and activity throughout the day. Attacks can happen once, which usually last for days at a time or frequently, having only hours or days in between attacks. Symptoms include extreme tenderness, redness, swelling and a sharp shooting pain. It is recommended that even if the attack happens just once you should consult your doctor.

Osteorarthritis

Osteorarthritis is a breakdown of the cartilage in the joints, which comes on subtly, leaving only a dull mild ache after activity. This can go on for many years before getting worse. Osteorarthritis can affect any joint, but it is more commonly seen in the hands, knees, hips and spine. Many times osteorarthritis will linger in one area for a long time before moving on to other body parts. Often, it stays secluded in one area. In fact, research shows that osteorarthritis in the hands as being linked to heredity, meaning that it runs in the family. Consult your doctor if you think you might have osteorarthritis.

Resources

• Osteorarthritis information