Joint Conditions
Joint pain can range from bothersome, to miserable, to debilitating. The first step in treating joint pain is knowing the cause of the discomfort. A number of conditions can be the culprit. Here are the most common:
Osteoarthritis. Arthritis is the most common cause of joint pain, and more people are afflicted with osteoarthritis (OA) than any other type. Sometimes called degenerative arthritis because it is a “wearing out” condition involving the breakdown of cartilage in the joints, OA causes the bones to rub against each other, which produces joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function. It afflicts nearly 27 million Americans, typically starting after age 40 and progressing slowly. It can be genetic and about half of people 60 and older will suffer from osteoarthritis to some degree. One 2008 study by University of North Carolina researchers found that obese men and women were almost three times more likely to suffer from OA.
Rheumatoid arthritis. An autoimmune disorder that causes pain and stiffness in the joints, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) most commonly strikes women ages 25 to 50 - affecting about 1.3 million adult Americans. An abnormality in the body’s immune system causes it to work improperly, leading to inflammation in the lining of the joints and other internal organs. This inflammation can result in joint deterioration, pain, and limited movement. Because RA is a systemic condition - meaning that it spreads freely throughout the body as it follows the flow of immune cells in the bloodstream - it can strike joints on both sides of the body.
Bursitis. A condition frequently confused with arthritis, bursitis involves inflammation around the joint, rather than the joint itself. Bursitis causes discomfort, stiffness, tenderness, and pain in the joint area when one or more of the bursa - small, fluid-filled sacs near the joints - become inflamed due to excessive movement, pressure, or trauma. It often occurs around the shoulders, knees, and hips. One common type of bursitis, called housemaid’s knee, is caused by prolonged kneeling on a hard surface.
Gout. This joint condition can cause sudden and severe attacks of pain, tenderness, swelling, and redness in joints. It’s caused by a build-up in the body of excessive uric acid, which forms crystals that deposit in the joints and lead to inflammation. Gout usually strikes after age 50. Gout typically affects one joint at a time, often the big toe. But if left untreated, it can spread to other joints.