Has joint pain become a regular part of your daily life? Unfortunately, it is often the harsh reality of aging. But although we may overlook joint pain as a normal part of getting old, it can also be an indicator of a more serious condition.
Below you will find six serious causes of joint pain. Speak to your doctor if you think you may be having one of these conditions.
6 serious causes of joint pain
Advertisement
Septic arthritis: Infectious (septic) arthritis can occur when a cut or wound doesn’t heal (or doesn’t get cleaned properly), so the joint becomes infected. Knees, hips, ankles, and wrists can be affected by septic arthritis, and you’ll need antibiotics to treat it.
Gout: Gout is a result of excess protein which causes the body to produce uric acid. Uric acid can normally be expelled from the body but when there is too much it begins to crystallize around small joints, most commonly the large toe. This can cause swelling, redness, and intense bouts of pain.
Lyme disease: Lyme disease is a result of a tick bite. Aside from joint pain, patients may also experience a “bull’s eye” rash (the most common tell-tale sign), fever, chills, fatigue, and brain fog.
Lupus: Lupus is an autoimmune disease causing the immune system to overreact. Aside from joints, lupus can also affect organs like the lungs, kidneys, and skin.
Gonorrhea: Although as a sexually transmitted disease gonorrhea commonly affects the genitals, it can also wreak havoc on your joints. The condition is known as gonococcal arthritis and leads to swollen, red, and hot joints along with the common symptoms of gonorrhea.
Advertisement
Rheumatoid arthritis: This is an autoimmune type of arthritis, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks the joints. Joints become stiff in the morning and can actually become deformed over time.
If your joint pain is accompanied by other symptoms, you should speak to your doctor to uncover what could be the cause of your joint pain – it may be more serious than you think.
Related: Improve joint pain with these tips
