Diseases That Cause Joint Pain

The joints of the body are the junction sites where two different bones meet. Cartilage, tendons, ligaments and fluid in the joints give them structure, mobility and act as cushioning. Over the course of time, the joints can become deteriorated or suffer numerous injuries. When this is the case, various diseases can develop and pain is sure to follow.

Arthritis

• Arthritis is a condition wherein the cartilage in the joints gets worn away or degenerated. The joints can also be attacked by the body's own immune system in a type of arthritis called rheumatoid arthritis. When this happens, the joints become inflamed, swollen and the skin can appear red. They also become inflexible and even walking across the room can cause pain.

Bursitis

• Inside the joints of the body there are little fluid-filled sacs called bursa sacs. They are located between the muscles, tendons and bones at joint locations. Bursa sacs act as additional padding at pressure points, and they help to make movement a lot more efficient. When the bursa sacs swell up, they can be painful to the touch and make movement difficult. This is a condition called bursitis.

Tendinitis

• Tendons are strong, fibrous cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones. When the tendons become inflamed around the joint areas, it is called tendinitis and it can be very painful. The difference between tendinitis and arthritis is that there is not much swelling involved and you can still have a normal range of motion.

Gout

• Gout is a condition that is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body. Uric acid develops from eating foods that are high in a substance called purines. Under normal circumstances, this uric acid is flushed out of the body through the urine. But when levels are elevated, they have a tendency to pool up at joint locations, causing swelling, heat, redness and pain. The big toe and foot are areas that are commonly first affected, but it can happen anywhere in the body.

Lupus

• Lupus is a disease wherein your own immune system ends up turning against you. The organs, tissues, joints and even the skin of the body become inflamed. This disease is more prevalent in women than men and there is no known cure, although there are treatment options available that can help significantly. Other than joint pain, symptoms such as fatigue, fever, depression, anxiety and weight loss or gain can also manifest.