Natural Causes of Joint Pain

Joint pain is characterized by soreness in any area of your body where the bones meet, according to the Mayo Clinic. Other symptoms associated with joint pain include tenderness, swelling, lack of mobility and redness. Joint pain can be caused by a number of natural causes which include genes, arthritis, natural wear and tear or autoimmune disease.

Genes

• A gene defect can cause your body to underproduce collagen, a protein found in cartilage that keeps joints strong. As the cartilage weakens, the bones begin to rub against each other and cause pain.

Overweight

• Excess weight puts stress on your knees, hips and feet on a daily basis. This stress over time causes inflammation of the joints, which can eventually lead to arthritis.

Injury

• Excessive overuse of joints from exercise or heavy lifting can cause joint pain and can develop into osteoarthritis. Repetitive movement increases the cartilage breakdown rate, which causes bones to rub together and exacerbate soreness.

Immune Disorder

• Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition where your immune system attacks your joints and causes inflammation in your synovium, the thin piece of tissue that lines your joint.

Gout

• A diet high in the organic compound purines causes uric acid levels in your body to rise, which causes gout. Gout occurs when urate crystals form around your joints and cause sharp, sudden pain and swelling.