Stiff, swollen, and painful joints are incredibly common and can detract from your enjoyment of life. Though there is a natural decrease in mobility that comes along with aging, certain conditions can contribute to inflamed joints and increased pain. Here are the top reasons your joints are hurting and simple ways to ease your pain.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Rheumatoid arthritis affects over 1.5 million Americans, and is one of the top causes of joint pain, usually affecting the joints of the hands, feet, wrists, elbows, knees, and ankles. Symptoms of this autoimmune disease typically present themselves between the ages of 30 and 60, but anyone can develop it. Though the immune system is normally responsible for protecting the body by attacking things like bacteria and viruses, in this case, it attacks the joints and creates inflammation. This leads to swelling of the tissue around the joints, which then leads to pain and damaged cartilage. Over time, joints can lose mobility and become deformed.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for RA, but if you catch it early enough, aggressive treatment can curtail much of the permanent damage and help manage pain.
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis is use-related and usually occurs in those over 65; however, it is also seen in obese people and athletes who put extra stress on particular joints. This debilitating condition affects 27 million Americans and comes as a result of wear and tear on the joints. Eventually, the cartilage that protects your joints can wear down and leave your joints vulnerable to damage. The knees, hips, lower back and neck, fingers, the base of the thumb, and big toe are most affected and will often become stiff, swell, and produce cracking sounds when you move the joint.
Bursitis
Between the muscles, bones, and tendons in your body are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion these critical structures from the normal degradation that comes from use and age. These sacs are called bursae, and when they become inflamed, you can develop bursitis, a painful condition leading to swelling and stiffness that normally occurs in large joints such as the elbow, shoulder, and hip. Though the exact cause of this inflammation is unknown, experts believe it could have something to do with overuse, infection, or injury. Thankfully, with a little rest, the swelling will usually dissipate, and your joint will return to normal.
Lupus
Another autoimmune disease, the majority of people with lupus experience joint pain, along with other symptoms. This disease usually affects the extremities such as the knees, ankles, toes, fingers, wrists, and elbows and leaves joints feeling swollen, tender, stiff, and warm. Many of the symptoms are similar to RA, so it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose and usually requires extensive testing. Though it isn’t as detrimental to the joints as rheumatoid arthritis, it can still be incredibly damaging, and it is important to get an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible. Again, like RA, there is no cure for lupus, but there are ways to reduce symptoms, prevent flare-ups, and ease the pain.
Other causes of joint pain:
Alcohol – Excessive alcohol consumption can dehydrate your tissues and ligaments and cause pain because of insufficient fluid in your joints. Drink in moderation, and be sure to consume plenty of water.
Gout – Extremely painful, yet treatable form of arthritis that usually affects the big toe. Caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood.
Lyme disease – Tick-borne illness that can be incredibly damaging. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical. Is often characterized by a “bull’s eye” rash in the early stages, while joint pain and other complications come later.
Weather – Atmospheric pressure drops can increase pain in those who have arthritis or other joint-related conditions.
Vitamin D deficiency – Vitamin D deficiency could increase your risk of developing inflammatory diseases such as RA.
Anxiety and depression – Mental issues, especially chronic stress in the form of anxiety, can lead to severe inflammation and swollen, painful joints.
Smoking – Need we elaborate any further? Smoking wreaks havoc on your body, including the circulatory system that delivers nutrients to your joints and muscles.
Diet – Inflammatory foods such as refined carbs and sugar can cause chronic inflammation throughout your body, particularly around the joints where the swelling is most detrimental.
Visit a doctor if you notice any of the following:
- You don’t know the cause of your joint pain
- The area around the joint is red, swollen, tender, or warm
- You have a fever but no other viral symptoms
- You have extreme pain for three days or more
Any of these symptoms could indicate a severe injury. Go to the emergency room as soon as possible if:
- You have experienced a severe injury
- The joint suddenly begins swelling
- You are unable to move the joint at all
- You have severe, persistent pain
- There is noticeable deformity at the joint
Ways to ease joint pain
Take a warm bath
Hot water can be soothing for the joints, especially if the cause of pain is due to an injury or is an acute issue rather than a chronic one.
Maintain a healthy weight
Being overweight puts extra stress on the joints and can cause severe damage. If you need to lose weight, start with gentle, low impact exercise, and gradually build up to a more intense workout. If you live near a pool, water exercises are a great way to keep extra pressure off of your joints.
Stay physically active
Always stretch before you exercise and make sure to work every part of your body each week. Keeping your joints lose and maintaining a good range of motion will help protect your body from injury and stress.
Eat right
Eat an anti-inflammatory diet that includes lots of fresh fruit, vegetables, and other whole foods to help keep joint pain at bay.