A joint is the area where two bones in the body come together. Some joints, such as those where skull bones meet, called fixed joints, cannot move, but most joints in the body, such as the knee and elbow, are able to move. These joints contain ligaments, tendons and a connective tissue called cartilage. In a healthy individual, the ligaments and tendons allow the joint to move freely and the cartilage keeps the bones from rubbing together, which prevents joint pain. Certain diseases can affect these structures and cause joint pain and swelling.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissue. The wrists, fingers, knees, feet and ankles are the joints most commonly affected by rheumatoid arthritis, according to MedlinePlus. Initial symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include fatigue, loss of appetite, low fever, swollen glands and weakness. As the disease progresses, joint pain develops and those affected lose range of motion in the joints. Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis consists of medications, physical therapy and regular exercise. If the disease is severe, surgery may be required to replace the joint with a synthetic joint.
Gout
Uric acid is a substance in the body that is formed from the breakdown of natural body substances, called purines, or certain foods, such as organ meats, asparagus, herring and mushrooms. In a healthy person, the body is able to effectively break down uric acid and eliminate it from the body. In those with gout, which is a type of arthritis, the body either produces too much uric acid or cannot break down uric acid properly. This leads to the accumulation of uric acid in the blood. Excess uric acid turns into urate crystals, which accumulate around the joint and cause sudden, severe attacks of pain, tenderness and inflammation in the joints. Gout most commonly affects the largest joint in the big toe, but can also affect the feet, hands, ankles, wrists and knees. Symptoms of gout occur suddenly and often appear in the middle of the night, according to Mayo Clinic. In addition to sudden pain and swelling, other symptoms include lingering discomfort and redness. Treatment for gout usually consists of anti-inflammatory medications, medications that prevent the production of uric acid in the body and medications that help increase the elimination of uric acid from the body.
Bursitis
Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs in the joints that act as a cushion for the bones, tendons and muscles. Bursitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of these bursae, with the most commonly affected areas being the elbows and the hips, according to Mayo Clinic. Bursitis occurs as a result of frequent, repetitive joint movement, such as in sports, prolonged sitting and jobs that require extensive kneeling. Symptoms of bursitis include achiness and stiffness in the joints, joint pain especially during movement, redness, and inflammation of the joint. Treatment of bursitis consists of resting the inflamed area and applying ice to reduce swelling. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also be beneficial in reducing pain and inflammation. In severe cases, anti-inflammatory drugs may be injected into the joint to reduce swelling.
