Joint aches are simply defined as pains and aches affecting the joints. All joints can be affected by aches, and there are several causes of joint aches. Some of these causes indicate a serious problem, and some indicate only a minor problem. Some of the common causes of joint aches include infection, arthritis, Lyme disease, bursitis and tendinitis.
Infections
Certain infections can cause joint aches. These infections include the common cold and the flu. These two infections are quite common and can be treated easily in most people. These two infections can be passed from person to person or can be contracted by touching objects, such as door handles and keyboards, that are infected with cold and flu germs. Symptoms of the common cold include joint aches, runny and stuffy nose, sore throat, sneezing and congestion. Symptoms of the flu include joint aches, headache, runny nose, fever, sneezing, chills, nausea and congestion.
Arthritis
Arthritis, also referred to as osteoarthritis, can cause joint aches. Arthritis is simply defined as a condition that causes joint inflammation. This condition can affect any joint and often affects more than one joint. Arthritis can be managed. Symptoms of arthritis include pain, stiffness, swelling and tenderness of the affected joints.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease can cause joint aches. This disease is a bacterial infection. This infection is transmitted by infected ticks when they bite. Lyme disease can become serious when not treated in a timely manner. Symptoms of Lyme disease may include joint aches, a skin rash surrounding the tick bite and flu-like symptoms including nausea, headache, chills, fever and runny nose.
Bursitis
Bursitis can cause joint aches. This condition occurs when the bursa become inflamed. The bursa are fluid-filled sacs that help to cushion a joint. Bursitis is most often caused by rheumatoid arthritis, gout, trauma, infection and chronic overuse. Symptoms include joint aches and pain, difficulty and increased pain when moving the affected joint and stiffness, warmth and swelling of the affected joint.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis can cause joint aches. This condition occurs when a tendon becomes irritated, inflamed or swollen. A tendon is a fibrous structure that connects muscles to bones. This condition is most often caused by overuse, aging and trauma. Symptoms include joint aches and pain and warmth and swelling of the affected joint. These aches and pains are often made worse when moving or during the night.
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Writer Bio
Rose Kitchen is a freelance medical writer pursuing a bachelor's degree in sociology and education. She has a nursing background and is going back to nursing school in September 2011 for her R.N. Kitchen holds a certificate in anatomy and physiology and English and is pursuing certificates in natural and alternative medicine, fitness and nutrition and sports nutrition.
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