Joint pain can be a major burden in everyday life. It occurs when walking, climbing stairs, reaching for objects, standing up, or after prolonged rest. Sometimes it is only temporary, such as after overexertion. In other cases, it recurs repeatedly or becomes more severe over time.
Joint pain can have many causes: overuse, wear and tear, inflammation, injuries, improper alignment, rheumatic diseases, or metabolic processes. It is important to take these symptoms seriously and to watch for accompanying signs such as swelling, redness, warmth, or limited range of motion.
Joint pain can occur in a single joint or in multiple joints. For example, it can affect the fingers, hands, knees, hips, shoulders, feet, or the small vertebral joints in the back.
The pain can feel different in various ways:
The more precisely the symptoms can be described, the easier it is to determine what might be causing them.
Joint pain does not always originate directly in the joint cartilage. Tendons, ligaments, bursae, muscles, fascia, or inflammatory processes may also be involved.
Common causes include:
Osteoarthritis causes changes in the joint cartilage. The affected joint may become painful and stiff, and movement may be restricted. A typical symptom is what’s known as “start-up pain”: the first movements after a period of rest are uncomfortable, but the discomfort often subsides after a few minutes of movement. The knees, hips, fingers, hands, toes, and small vertebral joints are frequently affected.
More on thisRheumatism is a general term for many conditions and diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Joint pain may be accompanied by morning stiffness, swelling, a sensation of warmth, or limited mobility. If joints experience repeated or prolonged pain, show signs of inflammation, or if multiple joints are affected, it is important to seek a professional evaluation.
More on thisInflammation can play a significant role in joint pain. An inflamed joint may be painful, swollen, red, or warm to the touch. Sometimes, mobility is also significantly limited.
Signs of inflammation should not be ignored. It is especially important to seek medical advice if these symptoms are accompanied by a fever, severe pain, or significant swelling.
When joints hurt, resting them is often the first thing that comes to mind. In the short term, taking it easy can be helpful. In the long term, however, too little movement often leads to weaker muscles, stiffer joints, and a vicious cycle of pain.
Appropriate exercise can help maintain flexibility, strength, and stability. Depending on the situation, the following are suitable:
It is important to adjust the level of exertion to the symptoms. In cases of acute inflammation, severe pain, or an unclear cause, exercise should be tailored by a professional.
Heat can be soothing for chronic pain, stiffness, or muscle tension.
Cold can be more soothing in cases of acute swelling, redness, or overheating.