Joint pain -- also called arthralgia -- can develop anywhere bones are attached to each other, such as your elbows, knees, ankles, hips and shoulders. Joint pain with involuntary weight loss can indicate a variety of underlying medical conditions. According to MedlinePlus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health, you should see your doctor if you have fever without any other signs of the flu, joint pain that lasts more than three days or is severe, or weight loss of 10 lbs. or more without deliberate effort.
Benign Causes
It is possible that there is a harmless explanation for your joint pain and weight loss. A strenuous workout can cause aches and pains in muscles and joints; weight loss without conscious effort could be a result of increased physical activity or a more demanding schedule. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen can help reduce discomfort if you have no conditions that preclude their use. See your doctor if your joint pain doesn't resolve in a few days, or if unintentional weight loss continues.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation, usually appears in wrists, hands, knees, and ankles, with pain on both sides of the body. Along with lack of appetite and loss of weight, you may experience fatigue, swollen glands, and low-grade fever. According to MedlinePlus, other symptoms include stiffness upon awakening or after sitting and burning, itching and numbness in hands and feet (see References 1). Joints may be swollen, painful and warm. Doctors don't know what causes the condition, but believe that genetics and hormones play a role. Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed by blood test. Although there is no cure, rheumatoid arthritis can be treated with physical therapy, antirheumatic drugs and anti-inflammatory medications. Your doctor may also prescribe corticosteroids to ease swelling and pain.
Hepatitis
Joint pain with weight loss can indicate hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that hepatitis can be contracted by excessive use of alcohol or acetaminophen, sharing needles, having sex with an infected person, or eating contaminated food. Along with joint pain and weight loss, symptoms of hepatitis include abdominal pain, dark urine, fatigue and jaundice, or yellow skin. Hepatitis A, B and C -- all caused by viruses -- are the most common types of the disease, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting 80,000 new cases of viral hepatitis each year. The severity of the disease can range from mild to life-threatening. Hepatitis A, the least serious form, usually resolves with no lasting damage, while hepatitis C -- the most serious type -- can cause cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer. Hepatitis is treated with antiviral medications.
Osteomyelitis
Joint pain and weight loss can be symptoms of osteomyelitis, a bone infection caused by a bacteria or fungus. According to MedlinePlus, other symptoms include redness and warmth in the affected area, bone pain, fever, sweating and chills. The disease can be caused by an infection in the skin, or in muscles or tendons near the bone. It can also result from an injury -- such as a fracture -- or from surgery, especially if metal rods are placed in the bone. Osteomyelitis usually appears in the hips, feet and spine. It is diagnosed by blood tests and bone biopsy, and is treated with antibiotics. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
