Weak and painful joints can interfere with daily functioning and activities, drain energy, and be physically and emotionally taxing. Different conditions or diseases can cause joint problems, and while many of these conditions are not curable, treatments exist that can minimize joint pain, increase range of motion and flexibility, and help build joint stability and strength.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that results when the body's own immune system attacks its own tissues, causing inflammation, states MayoClinic.com. This kind of arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease and usually affects the small joints in the hands and feet. Symptoms include joint pain and swelling, stiffness in the joints and fever. Risk factors the Mayo Clinic website lists include female gender, older age, smoking and a family history of the condition. There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but there are treatments for the disease. Steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, immunosuppressants and occupational therapy are all treatments used to decrease joint pain, improve strength and flexibility, and reduce inflammation.
Lupus
Lupus, another chronic autoimmune disease, can affect different parts of the body, and each individual with lupus may have different symptoms. Symptoms can include joint pain, fatigue, swollen joints, and swelling in the feet and hands, according to the Lupus Foundation of America. Some lupus symptoms are similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and Lyme disease, making a timely diagnosis difficult. The exact causes of lupus are unknown, but MayoClinic.com lists several risk factors, including being female, long-term use of certain prescription drugs, race and exposure to various chemicals. Lupus is not curable, but many treatments exist, including antimalarial drugs, corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is an inflammatory disease caused by bacteria carried by deer ticks, according to the American Lyme Disease Foundation. The bacteria, called Borrelia burgdorferi, travel through the bloodstream and invade the tissues of the body, causing symptoms. Lyme disease can affect multiple systems of the body, including the skin, joints and nervous system. The first symptom of the disease is usually an expanding rash; by the time the rash appears, joint pain and fatigue are typically also present, reports the American Lyme Disease Foundation. If the disease is not treated, symptoms can progress to facial paralysis, severe fatigue, arthritis and joint abnormalities, cardiac problems, and cognitive disorders. Early treatment typically cures the disease and consists of taking oral antibiotics. Lyme disease in its later stages may require multiple courses of oral or intravenous antibiotics.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, or OA, is the most common form of arthritis, states the Mayo Clinic website. It is a progressive disease that occurs when the cartilage in the joints breaks down over time, causing the bones to rub together. Symptoms of OA can include loss of joint flexibility, joint pain or tenderness, joint stiffness, and bone spurs. Older age, obesity, bone deformities and previous joint injuries can all increase an individual's risk of developing OA. The condition cannot be cured, but treatments for pain and increased joint mobility include acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone shots and an analgesic called tramadol.
