The presence of pain and stiffness in your joints can make it difficult for you to perform simple tasks such as bending or reaching. Persistent joint pain and stiffness can even interfere with your daily life and your job. If you are experiencing joint pain and stiffness, your doctor will be able to discover the source and recommend an effective treatment option.
Symptoms
Joint pain typically generates a hard, deep, extremely unpleasant aching sensation. The severity of the pain will vary from mild to severe depending on the cause. If you suffer from joint pain you may also experience stiffness in the affected joints. Joint stiffness can make it difficult and uncomfortable to move your joints. Your joint stiffness may seem worse in the mornings or persist throughout the day.
Arthritis
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, arthritis is a very common cause of joint pain and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis is the most severe form of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation, swelling and fluid buildup in the joints. Joint pain and stiffness caused by rheumatoid arthritis can be extremely severe or even crippling in some cases.
Other Causes
There are many disorders not related to arthritis that can cause joint pain and stiffness, including bursitis, repetitive motion strain and trauma to the joint. Bursitis is a condition where fluid-filled sacs around your joints called bursa become inflamed. Repetitive motion strains can occur if you perform a movement such as typing repeatedly for an extended period of time. These repetitive movements ultimately wear on your joints, leading to stiffness and pain. Sports-related injuries or accidents that involve trauma to your joints can also cause pain and stiffness in the affected area.
Diagnostic Tests
Many diagnostic tests are available to determine the cause of your joint pain and stiffness. Blood tests that detect the presence of antinuclear antibodies or the rheumatoid factor typically indicate arthritis. Imaging tests such as x-rays, computed tomography scans, or CT scans, and magnetic resonance imaging scans, or MRI, can help your doctor get a better look at the affected joint. These scans are usually effective in identifying any joint injuries.
Treatments
The treatment that your doctor recommends to address your joint pain and stiffness will depend upon the specific cause. Although there is no cure for arthritis, pain medications such as acetaminophen, anti-inflammatory drugs or opioids may provide some relief. If your pain and stiffness is the result of a joint injury, your doctor may advise you to rest and refrain from moving the joint. If bursitis or a repetitive motion strain is the cause, you may experience some relief from regular light exercise. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week can decrease pain and improve function in some people with arthritis.
