Joints are the juncture at which your bones come together. They make movement possible and they also act as cushions to absorb shock. Cartilage, ligaments, tendons, fluid and connective tissue can all be seen at the location of the joints. Soreness can develop at any joint on the body and it can be caused from a number of things.
Significance
Without functional joints, you would not be able to walk, type, drive, put away groceries or hammer nails into a board. When soreness develops, the joints can become swollen and stiff which can make all your tasks at home and at your job more difficult.
Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the most common conditions that can cause soreness in the joints. Osteoarthritis causes your joints to become deteriorated as you age. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused from your body's own immunity turning on you. The joints get mistaken for invaders by your white blood cells and the lining of them gets attacked, which leads to pain and inflammation.
Bursitis
The joints have small, fluid-filled sacs at them called "bursae." They help reduce friction and they act as padding between the bones. When the bursae become inflamed, a condition called "bursitis" takes place. Pain can be felt at the affected joints and it can sometimes be greater at night. This condition is most often seen in the hip.
Gout
Purines are substances that get converted to a chemical called "uric acid" in the body when certain foods are eaten. Under normal circumstances, uric acid is flushed from the system through the urine. But when you have a condition called "gout," uric acid forms urate crystals that pool up at joint locations. This in turn causes swelling, stiffness and pain.
Tendinitis
Tendons are thick cords of fibrous tissue that connect muscles to bones. When you use your joints in repetitive motions for long periods of time, the tendons can become inflamed, irritated and sore. This is a condition called "tendinitis." The most common joints that get affected with tendinitis are located at the heels, shoulders, wrists and elbows. Professional athletes are most prone to developing this type of condition in their joints.
