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Joint pain is a common occurrence, whether it be from injuries or the natural aging process. It’s essential to know the underlying reasons as it could signify severe medical conditions. This write-up will delve into several health issues that joint pain could be an indicator of.
Gout
When joint pain is restricted to the big toe, ankles, and knees, it could be an indication of gout, accompanied by redness and a sensation of excessive warmth in those areas.
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis that develops due to an abnormality in the body’s uric acid metabolism. Uric acid builds up and crystallizes in the joints, resulting in inflammation and pain as the immune system tries to eliminate it. Typically, the pain is severe and acute, comes on suddenly, and is accompanied by a burning sensation.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a medical condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. Those with this condition often experience joint pain, known as arthralgia, which is different from arthritic pain as it isn’t accompanied by inflammation or changes in movement.
Apart from joint pain, people with hypothyroidism may also experience symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, and irregularities in the menstrual cycle.
Depression
Depression can cause more than just a low mood and lack of interest in activities. It can also lead to physical pain in different parts of the body, including the joints, stomach, and spine. If left untreated, this pain can become chronic, worsening the symptoms of depression and causing both mental and physical discomfort. Therefore, seeking medical attention at the first signs of depression is crucial.
Arthritis
Joint pain is a common symptom across all types of arthritis.
Septic arthritis
Septic arthritis is a condition where an infection infiltrates the joint cavity. This can occur due to skin injuries or during acute and chronic bacterial diseases, leading to joint pain in areas such as the knees, ankles, wrists, and hips. Additional symptoms of this arthritis type include fever, inflammation, redness in the joint area, and restricted mobility.
Psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that presents joint pain, limited mobility, and inflammation, in addition to the typical symptoms of psoriasis, such as itchy redness on the skin.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that typically impacts joints such as the wrists, elbows, neck, and hips. This type of arthritis is characterized by temporary relief of joint pain when the joints are moved.
Conversely, osteoarthritis pain is not alleviated by movement, but rather exacerbated and heightened. This condition affects joints including fingers, knees, neck, hips, and lower back, and is accompanied by swelling, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
Systemic lupus erythematosus
This is a chronic autoimmune condition, typically caused by genetic factors, although hormonal imbalances and other pathological conditions can also be contributing factors. Despite extensive research, a definitive answer regarding the cause of this condition remains elusive.
Lupus is difficult to diagnose, as its symptoms are similar to those of other diseases. One of the most common indications of lupus is joint pain, which is most commonly experienced in the knees and occurs symmetrically. However, pain may also be present in other joints.
At the onset of the disease, a high fever often occurs, which is why it is frequently mistaken for acute respiratory infections. In addition, a rash may appear on the face, hands, and torso.
Fibromyalgia
If a person experiences pain that occurs in various joints and frequently shifts location, accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbances, headaches, restricted mobility, and cognitive impairment, it may be indicative of fibromyalgia.
Typically, the pain is described as dull and may feel like tingling or pulsating sensations. The pain can also affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
The causes of fibromyalgia remain unknown, and treatments are generally geared towards alleviating the symptoms and improving the individual’s comfort level.
Lyme disease
Lyme disease is a condition caused by an infection carried by ticks of the Spirochete Borrelia species. If not diagnosed and treated promptly, Lyme disease may lead to unpleasant consequences that can emerge several months or even years following the tick bite. These may include the swelling and pain of major joints, particularly the knees, accompanied by redness and a burning sensation. Arthritis attacks associated with Lyme disease are often accompanied by fever and fatigue.
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