If your knees sound like the creaking door of a horror movie every time you get up, you could have joint problems. You aren’t alone. Issues like knee pain and pain in our other joints are surprisingly common.
If you suffer pain, redness, swelling, or that crack of a moving joint, read on. In this guide, we’ll explain five of the most common causes of joint issues in the body.
Table of Contents
1. Aged-Related Wear and Tear
As we age, the protective cartilage in our joints starts to wear and tear. This is more commonly known as osteoarthritis. You will notice a sense of stiffness and pain in your joints, like a noticeable pain when rising from your knees.
Though age is the primary factor, other triggers can make you more likely to experience osteoarthritis, including obesity and previous injuries.
Genetics can also make you more susceptible, which means it’s something to watch for if it runs in your family. Always speak to a local practitioner for diagnosis of knee pain Fenton MO.
2. Inflamed Joints
Joint inflammation can create symptoms, including pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Inflammation is an autoimmune condition, which, in the most basic terms, means the body starts to attack itself. But when it causes pain in the body, in the joints, or other areas, it’s called rheumatoid arthritis.
Scientists are still discovering more about what causes this condition, but it’s more common in women, and it can be genetic. Environmental issues could also be a trigger.
3. Injury
Sudden joint pain could result from an injury, such as a sports injury. Less immediate symptoms might be a repetitive motion strain that eventually becomes more noticeable.
Injuries can cause a wide range of issues in the joints, including damage to the ligaments, tendons, or cartilage. They need immediate examination and treatment, as well as lots of rest.
More severe damage in the joints could also require physical therapy.
4. Infections
Sometimes, bad joints can result from an untreated infection. This could be a bacterial infection from a wound, or fungal or virus infections can also create painful joints.
Any type of infection needs early medical diagnosis and appropriate treatment, like antibiotics or antifungal medications.
That stops the problem from worsening and causing more damage, including long-term issues with the joints. More severe and untreated infections can lead to permanent pain, damage, and impairment in the infected area.
5. Gout
Gout can cause significant pain, and it’s notable in the appearance of the affected joint. Sufferers may see red, inflamed, and swollen areas around the joint.
Gout happens when there is too much uric acid in the body. That can happen through diet and lifestyle. High levels of alcohol and red meat can trigger the condition.
Joint Problems: Seek Out a Diagnosis
Joint problems may be common, especially as you age. But that doesn’t mean you have to suffer in silence. Your first step is to identify the underlying reason for the issue and seek medical advice to rule out any progressive damage.
We have more health tips and advice on our website. So, take a browse now to keep yourself updated.
Veronica Baxter is a writer, blogger, and legal assistant operating out of the greater Philadelphia area.
