Common Causes of Joint Pain

Joint pain is the term given to discomfort that occurs at spots where two bones meet, such as the knees, wrists, ankles or knuckles. There are a number of possible causes of joint pain, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Arthritis

• Arthritis occurs when the tissue that insulates or lines the joints becomes damaged. There are many types of arthritis, including reactive, rheumatoid, septic, gout and osteoarthritis, with each causing pain in the joints.

Physical Injuries

• When a joint is dislocated or pushed out of its normal position due to a heavy impact or twist, it usually causes pain. In addition, strains or sprains of ligaments or tendons or bone fractures often cause pain in the joints.

Bone Cancer

• Bone cancer occurs when the cells of the bones begin to grow uncontrollably, causing bone and joint pain. Though sometimes cancer originates in the bones, often it spread to them from other organs in the body.

Illness and Infection

• Chronic illnesses like lupus or infections like Lyme disease may cause pain in the joints.

Other Conditions

• Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become porous, often resulting in joint pain. Another condition called rickets occurs when the body is deprived of vitamin D, causing bone softness and joint pain.