Pill Identifier Search
June 19, 2013

Joint Pain Symptoms

Symptom Checker: Symptoms & Signs Index

Medical Author:

Related
Symptoms & Signs

Joint pain can be caused by injury affecting any of the ligaments, bursae, or tendons surrounding the joint. Injury can also affect the ligaments, cartilage, and bones within the joint. Pain is also a feature of joint inflammation (arthritis) and infection, and can be a feature of tumors of the joint. Joint pain is also referred to as arthralgia.

Health concern on your mind? Visit the Symptom Checker.

REFERENCE:

Fauci, Anthony S., et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2008.


Terms related to Joint Pain:

  • Arthralgia
  • Joint Aches
  • Pain, Joint
Causes of Joint Pain
    • Ankle Pain
      Ankle Pain Ankle pain is commonly due to a sprain or tendinitis. The severity of ankle sprains ranges from mild (which can resolve within...learn more »
      In This Article
      Ankle Pain Article
      • Ankle pain and tendinitis facts
      • How is the ankle designed, and what is the ankle's function?
      • What injuries can cause ankle pain?
      • What diseases and conditions can cause ankle pain, and how are they treated?
    • Arthritis
      Arthritis Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. When joints are inflamed they can develop stiffness, warmth, swelling, redness...learn more »
      In This Article
      Arthritis Article
      • Arthritis facts
      • What is arthritis? What causes arthritis?
      • What are risk factors for arthritis?
      • What are arthritis symptoms and signs?
      • Who is affected by arthritis?
      • How is arthritis diagnosed, and why is a diagnosis important?
      • What is the treatment for arthritis?
      • Is there a special diet for arthritis?
      • What are the prognosis (outlook) for arthritis, and what are arthritis complications?
      • Can arthritis be prevented?
      • What is the national financial impact of arthritis?
      • What is a rheumatologist?
      • What is the Arthritis Foundation?
    • Aseptic Necrosis
      Aseptic Necrosis Aseptic necrosis (avascular necrosis or osteonecrosis) is a condition that develops when blood supply diminishes to an area of...learn more »
      In This Article
      Aseptic Necrosis Article
      • Aseptic necrosis facts
      • What is aseptic necrosis?
      • What causes aseptic necrosis?
      • What are risk factors for aseptic necrosis?
      • What are symptoms of aseptic necrosis?
      • How is aseptic necrosis diagnosed?
      • What is the treatment for aseptic necrosis?
      • What is the prognosis of aseptic necrosis?
      • Can aseptic necrosis be prevented?
    • Bone Fracture (Broken Bone)
      Bone Fracture (Broken Bone) Fractures occur when bone cannot withstand the outside forces applied to the bone. Fractures can be open or closed. Types of...learn more »
      In This Article
      Bone Fracture (Broken Bone) Article
      • Bone fracture facts
      • Introduction and definition of bone fracture
      • What causes a bone fracture?
      • What are the signs and symptoms of a bone fracture?
      • What are common types of bone fractures?
      • Broken wrist
      • Broken hip
      • Broken leg
      • Broken shoulder
      • Broken hand or fingers
      • Open fracture
      • Stress fracture
      • Compression fracture
      • Broken rib
      • Skull fracture
      • Other fractures
      • Bone fracture in children
      • How is a bone fracture diagnosed?
      • What is the treatment for a bone fracture?
      • Bone fracture surgery
    • Bunions
      Bunions The common bunion, an enlargement of the inner portion of the joint at the base of the big toe, primarily affects women. The...learn more »
      In This Article
      Bunions Article
      • Bunions facts
      • What are bunions?
      • What are the causes of bunions?
      • Who develops bunions?
      • What are symptoms and signs of a bunion?
      • How is a bunion diagnosed?
      • How are bunions treated? Are there home remedies to treat bunions?
      • Can bunions be prevented?
      • What is the prognosis of a bunion?
    • Bursitis
      Bursitis Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa. A bursa is a tiny fluid-filled sac that functions as a gliding surface to reduce friction...learn more »
      In This Article
      Bursitis Article
      • Bursitis facts
      • What is bursitis?
      • What causes a bursa become inflamed?
      • What are bursitis symptoms and signs?
      • How is bursitis diagnosed?
      • What is the treatment for bursitis?
    • Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
      Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Chronic fatigue syndrome is a debilitating and complex disorder characterized by profound fatigue that lasts 6 months or longer,...learn more »
      In This Article
      Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Article
      • Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) facts
      • What is chronic fatigue syndrome?
      • What causes chronic fatigue syndrome?
      • What are risk factors for chronic fatigue syndrome?
      • What are symptoms and signs of chronic fatigue syndrome?
      • What are chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms in men?
      • What are chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms in women?
      • How is chronic fatigue syndrome diagnosed?
      • What is the treatment for chronic fatigue syndrome?
      • Is there a cure for chronic fatigue syndrome?
      • What is the prognosis of chronic fatigue syndrome?
      • Can chronic fatigue syndrome be prevented?
      • Where can people find additional information about chronic fatigue syndrome?
    • Connective Tissue Disease
      Connective Tissue Disease Connective tissue disease is when the body's connective tissues come under attack, possibly becoming injured by inflammation....learn more »
      In This Article
      Connective Tissue Disease Article
      • What is a connective tissue disease?
      • What causes connective tissue disease?
      • What are symptoms and signs of a connective tissue disease?
      • How are connective tissue diseases diagnosed?
      • What are genetic risk factors for developing connective tissue disease?
      • What autoimmune diseases are associated with connective tissue disease?
    • Dengue Fever
      Dengue Fever Dengue fever is contracted from the bite of a striped Aedes aegypti mosquito. Symptoms of dengue include headache, fever,...learn more »
      In This Article
      Dengue Fever Article
      • Dengue fever facts
      • What is dengue fever?
      • What geographic areas are at high risk for contracting dengue fever?
      • How is dengue fever contracted?
      • What are dengue fever symptoms and signs?
      • How is dengue fever diagnosed?
      • What is the treatment for dengue fever?
      • What is the prognosis for typical dengue fever?
      • What is dengue hemorrhagic fever?
      • How can dengue fever be prevented?
      • Where can people get more information on dengue fever?
    • Elbow Pain
      Elbow Pain Elbow pain is most often the result of tendinitis, which can affect the inner or outer elbow. Treatment includes ice, rest, and...learn more »
      In This Article
      Elbow Pain Article
      • Elbow pain facts
      • How is the elbow designed, and what is its function?
      • What injuries can cause elbow pain?
      • What are diseases and conditions that can cause elbow pain, and how are they treated?
    • Fibromyalgia
      Fibromyalgia Fibromyalgia, formerly known as fibrositis, causes chronic pain, stiffness, and tenderness of muscles, tendons, and joints...learn more »
      In This Article
      Fibromyalgia Article
      • Fibromyalgia facts
      • What is fibromyalgia?
      • What causes fibromyalgia?
      • Whom does fibromyalgia affect?
      • What are fibromyalgia symptoms and signs?
      • How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?
      • Are exercise, stress reduction, or changes in diet helpful in the treatment of fibromyalgia?
      • What are medications and other forms of treatment for fibromyalgia?
      • What is the outlook (prognosis) for patients with fibromyalgia?
      • Can fibromyalgia be prevented?
      • What is in the future for fibromyalgia therapy?
      • Where can people find more information about fibromyalgia and support groups?
    • Fungal Arthritis
      Fungal Arthritis Fungal arthritis is inflammation of a joint by a fungus that has invaded the body and is growing in the normally sterile joint....learn more »
      In This Article
      Fungal Arthritis Article
      • Fungal arthritis facts
      • What is fungal arthritis?
      • What causes fungal arthritis?
      • What are risks for developing fungal arthritis?
      • What are fungal arthritis symptoms and signs?
      • How is fungal arthritis diagnosed?
      • How is fungal arthritis treated?
      • What is the prognosis of fungal arthritis?
      • Can fungal arthritis be prevented?
    • Gout
      Gout Gout is a condition that results from crystals of uric acid depositing in tissues of the body. Gout is a condition that can lead...learn more »
      In This Article
      Gout Article
      • Gout and hyperuricemia facts
      • What is gout? What is hyperuricemia?
      • Who is affected by gout?
      • What are gout causes and risk factors?
      • What are gout symptoms and signs?
      • How is gouty arthritis diagnosed?
      • What is the treatment for gout?
      • Gout diet
      • Gout medications
      • What are complications of gout?
      • Can gout be prevented?
      • What is the prognosis (outlook) for patients with gout?
      • What does the future hold for patients with gout and hyperuricemia?
    • Henoch-Schonlein Purpura
      Henoch-Schonlein Purpura Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP or anaphylactoid purpura), a type of blood vessel inflammation, results in rash, arthritis, and...learn more »
      In This Article
      Henoch-Schonlein Purpura Article
      • Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP) facts
      • What is Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP)?
      • What causes HSP?
      • What are risk factors for HSP?
      • What are HSP symptoms and signs?
      • How is HSP diagnosed?
      • What is the treatment for HSP?
      • What are complications of HSP?
      • What is the prognosis for patients with HSP?
      • Can HSP be prevented?
    • Hip Bursitis
      Hip Bursitis Bursitis of the hip results when the fluid-filled sac (bursa) near the hip becomes inflamed due to localized soft tissue trauma...learn more »
      In This Article
      Hip Bursitis Article
      • Hip bursitis facts
      • What is bursitis?
      • What is hip bursitis?
      • What causes hip bursitis?
      • What are hip bursitis symptoms?
      • How is hip bursitis diagnosed?
      • What is the treatment for hip bursitis?
      • What is the prognosis for hip bursitis?
    • Iliotibial Band Syndrome
      Iliotibial Band Syndrome Iliotibial band syndrome is an overuse injury of the thigh and knee. Symptoms include knee pain and possible swelling. Treatment...learn more »
      In This Article
      Iliotibial Band Syndrome Article
      • Iliotibial band syndrome facts
      • What is iliotibial band syndrome?
      • What causes iliotibial band syndrome?
      • What are iliotibial band syndrome symptoms and signs?
      • How is iliotibial band syndrome diagnosed?
      • What is the treatment for iliotibial band syndrome?
      • What stretches and exercises are beneficial for iliotibial band syndrome?
      • What exercises should be avoided with iliotibial band syndrome?
      • What is the prognosis for iliotibial band syndrome? Can iliotibial band syndrome be prevented?
      • Where can people find more information about iliotibial band syndrome?
    • Knee Injury
      Knee Injury Knee injuries, especially meniscus tears, are common in contact sports. Symptoms and signs of a torn meniscus include knee pain,...learn more »
      In This Article
      Knee Injury Article
      • Knee injury facts
      • What are the different types of knee injuries?
      • What causes a knee injury?
      • What are risk factors for a knee injury?
      • What are knee injury symptoms and signs?
      • How is a knee injury diagnosed?
      • What is the treatment for a knee injury?
      • What exercises are recommended and what exercises should be avoided during rehabilitation for a knee injury?
      • What is the recovery time for a knee injury?
      • What is the prognosis of a knee injury?
      • Can knee injuries be prevented?
    • Osteochondritis Dissecans
      Osteochondritis Dissecans With osteochondritis dissecans, bone and its adjacent cartilage loses its blood supply. Though osteochondritis dissecans can...learn more »
      In This Article
      Osteochondritis Dissecans Article
      • Osteochondritis dissecans facts
      • What is osteochondritis dissecans?
      • What causes osteochondritis dissecans?
      • What are symptoms of osteochondritis dissecans?
      • How is osteochondritis dissecans diagnosed?
      • What is the treatment of osteochondritis dissecans?
      • What is the prognosis of osteochondritis dissecans?
      • Can osteochondritis dissecans be prevented?
    • Plant Thorn Synovitis
      Plant Thorn Synovitis Plant thorn synovitis (plant thorn arthritis) is joint inflammation caused by a thorn puncturing the joint and leaving residual...learn more »
      In This Article
      Plant Thorn Synovitis Article
      • What is plant thorn arthritis?
      • What plants cause plant thorn arthritis?
      • What joints are typically involved in plant thorn arthritis?
      • What are plant thorn arthritis symptoms and signs?
      • How is plant thorn arthritis diagnosed?
      • What is the treatment for plant thorn arthritis?
      • What is the outlook (prognosis) of plant thorn arthritis?
      • Plant Thorn Arthritis At A Glance
    • Pseudogout
      Pseudogout Pseudogout, a form of arthritis, results when deposits of crystals collect in and around the joints. Symptoms of pseudogout...learn more »
      In This Article
      Pseudogout Article
      • Pseudogout facts
      • What is pseudogout?
      • What are causes of pseudogout?
      • What are risk factors for pseudogout?
      • What are pseudogout symptoms and signs?
      • How does a doctor diagnose pseudogout?
      • What are treatments for pseudogout?
      • What other conditions can accompany pseudogout?
      • Are there special circumstances that can promote attacks of pseudogout?
      • What are complications of pseudogout?
      • What is the prognosis (outlook) of pseudogout?
      • Can pseudogout be prevented?
    • Rheumatoid Arthritis
      Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, the tissue around the joints, as...learn more »
      In This Article
      Rheumatoid Arthritis Article
      • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) facts
      • What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
      • What are causes and risk factors of rheumatoid arthritis?
      • What are rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and signs?
      • What are complications of rheumatoid disease?
      • How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?
      • What is the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis?
      • "First-line" rheumatoid arthritis medications
      • "Second-line" or "slow-acting" rheumatoid arthritis drugs
      • What are newer treatments for rheumatoid arthritis?
      • What about rheumatoid arthritis and pregnancy?
      • Rheumatoid arthritis diet and other treatments
      • What is the prognosis (outlook) for patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
      • Can rheumatoid arthritis be prevented?
      • What research is being done on rheumatoid arthritis?
      • Where can people get additional information on rheumatoid arthritis?
    • Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SI Joint Pain)
      Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SI Joint Pain) Sacroiliac joint (SI) dysfunction is a general term to reflect pain in the SI joints. Causes of SI joint pain include...learn more »
      In This Article
      Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction (SI Joint Pain) Article
      • What are the sacroiliac (SI) joints?
      • What is sacroiliac joint dysfunction?
      • What causes sacroiliac joint dysfunction?
      • What are sacroiliac joint dysfunction symptoms?
      • How is sacroiliac joint dysfunction diagnosed?
      • What is the treatment for sacroiliac joint dysfunction?
      • How can sacroiliac joint dysfunction be prevented?
    • SAPHO Syndrome
      SAPHO Syndrome SAPHO syndrome is a chronic disorder that involves the skin, bone, and joints. SAPHO syndrome is an eponym for the combination of...learn more »
      In This Article
      SAPHO Syndrome Article
      • SAPHO syndrome facts
      • What is SAPHO syndrome?
      • What causes SAPHO syndrome, and what are risk factors for developing it?
      • Is SAPHO syndrome related to other joint conditions?
      • What are symptoms and signs of SAPHO syndrome?
      • How is SAPHO syndrome diagnosed?
      • What is the treatment for SAPHO syndrome?
      • What is the outlook (prognosis) for patients with SAPHO syndrome?
      • Can SAPHO syndrome be prevented?
    • Septic Arthritis
      Septic Arthritis Septic arthritis, or infectious arthritis, is infection of one or more joints by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Symptoms and signs...learn more »
      In This Article
      Septic Arthritis Article
      • What is septic arthritis?
      • What microbes cause septic arthritis?
      • Who is at risk of developing septic arthritis?
      • What are symptoms and signs of septic arthritis?
      • How is septic arthritis diagnosed?
      • How is septic arthritis treated?
      • What are complications of septic arthritis?
      • Septic Arthritis At A Glance
    • Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Men (STDs in Men)
      Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Men (STDs in Men) Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infections that are transmitted during any type of sexual exposure, including...learn more »
      In This Article
      Sexually Transmitted Diseases in Men (STDs in Men) Article
      • Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in men facts
      • What are STDs and how can their spread be prevented?
      • Diseases associated with genital lesions
      • Chancroid
      • Genital herpes
      • Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)
      • Syphilis
      • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
      • Diseases associated with urethritis
      • Urethritis
      • Chlamydia
      • Gonorrhea
      • Systemic STDs
      • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
      • Hepatitis B
      • Hepatitis C
      • Human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8)
      • Ectoparasitic infections
    • Sickle Cell Disease (Sickle Cell Anemia)
      Sickle Cell Disease (Sickle Cell Anemia) Sickle cell anemia (sickle cell disease), a blood disease which shortens life expectancy, is cause by an inherited abnormal...learn more »
      In This Article
      Sickle Cell Disease (Sickle Cell Anemia) Article
      • What is sickle cell anemia?
      • How is sickle cell anemia inherited?
      • What conditions promote the sickling (distortion) of the red blood cells in sickle cell anemia?
      • How is sickle cell anemia diagnosed?
      • What are the symptoms and treatments of sickle cell anemia?
      • What is the outlook (prognosis) for patients with sickle cell anemia?
      • Sickle Cell Anemia At A Glance
    • Sjogren's Syndrome
      Sjogren's Syndrome Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease involving the abnormal production of extra antibodies that attack the glands and...learn more »
      In This Article
      Sjogren's Syndrome Article
      • Sjögren's syndrome facts
      • What is Sjögren's syndrome?
      • What causes Sjögren's syndrome?
      • What are Sjögren's syndrome symptoms and signs?
      • How is Sjögren's syndrome diagnosed?
      • What is the treatment for Sjögren's syndrome? Will dietary changes improve Sjögren's syndrome symptoms and signs?
      • Can Sjögren's syndrome be prevented?
      • What is the prognosis for patients with Sjögren's syndrome?
      • Conclusion
    • Sprains and Strains
      Sprains and Strains An injury to a ligament is called a sprain, and an injury to muscle or tendon is called a strain. Sprains and strains may be...learn more »
      In This Article
      Sprains and Strains Article
      • Muscle sprains and strains facts
      • What is the difference between a sprain and a strain?
      • What causes a sprain or strain?
      • Where do sprains and strains usually occur?
      • What are sprain symptoms and signs?
      • How are sprains and strains diagnosed?
      • How are sprains and strains treated?
      • What is the recovery time for sprains and strains?
      • Can sprains and strains be prevented?
      • What is the prognosis of sprains and strains?
      • Where can people find more information about sprains and strains?
    • Steroid Drug Withdrawal
      Steroid Drug Withdrawal Corticosteroid drugs such as prednisone and prednisolone are commonly used to treat asthma, allergic reactions, RA, and IBD....learn more »
      In This Article
      Steroid Drug Withdrawal Article
      • Introduction
      • Withdrawal symptoms
      • Going off steroids
      • Steroid Withdrawal At A Glance
    • Torn ACL
      Torn ACL The anterior cruciate ligament helps to prevent the top and bottom of the knee from sliding back and forth. Symptoms and signs of...learn more »
      In This Article
      Torn ACL Article
      • What is the function of the knee joint?
      • What is a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)?
      • What causes a torn ACL?
      • What are symptoms and signs of a torn ACL?
      • How is a torn ACL diagnosed?
      • What is the treatment for a torn ACL?
      • How long does it take to recover from a torn ACL?
      • Can ACL tears be prevented?
      • Torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) At A Glance
    • Torn Meniscus
      Torn Meniscus A torn meniscus (knee cartilage) may be caused by suddenly stopping, sharply twisting, or deep squatting or kneeling when lifting...learn more »
      In This Article
      Torn Meniscus Article
      • Torn meniscus facts
      • Introduction to the knee
      • What is a torn meniscus?
      • What causes a meniscus to tear?
      • What are symptoms and signs of a torn meniscus?
      • How is a meniscus tear diagnosed?
      • What is the treatment for a torn meniscus?
      • Can a meniscus tear heal without surgery?
      • What is rehabilitation and recovery like for a patient with a meniscus tear?
      • What are recommended exercises once a torn meniscus has been repaired?
    • Typhus
      Typhus Typhus is a disease caused by Rickettsia bacteria. Symptoms and signs include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and...learn more »
      In This Article
      Typhus Article
      • Typhus facts
      • What is typhus? Are there different types of typhus?
      • What is the history of typhus?
      • What causes typhus? How is typhus transmitted?
      • What are typhus risk factors?
      • What are typhus symptoms and signs?
      • How is typhus diagnosed?
      • What is the treatment for typhus?
      • What is the prognosis of typhus?
      • Can typhus be prevented?
      • Where can people get more information about typhus?
Other Causes of Joint Pain
  • Bone Tumor (Rare)
  • Cartilage Tear
  • Synovial Sarcoma (Rare)
Examples of Medications for Joint Pain
  • acetaminophen, Tylenol and Others
  • acetylsalicylic acid, Aspirin, Ecotrin
  • ibuprofen, Advil, Children's Advil/Motrin, Medipren, Motrin, Nuprin, PediaCare Fever, etc.
  • naproxen, Anaprox, Naprelan, Naprosyn, Aleve
  • Nonsteroidal Antiinflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
  • OTC Pain Relievers and Fever Reducers


Symptoms & Signs A-Z List



Privacy Policy

Arthritis

Get the latest treatment options

Please acknowledge your agreement

New & Updated

Symptom Checker: Find Your Symptoms - RxList
advertisement
advertisement
Use Pill Finder Find it Now

Pill Identifier on RxList

  • quick, easy,
    pill identification

Find a Local Pharmacy

  • including 24 hour, pharmacies
Search the Medical Dictionary for Health Definitions & Medical Abbreviations
Updated & New
News & Features
Identify Your Drugs:
Use the RxList Pill Identifier Tool
Vaccine Safety

From WebMD

Arthritis Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors