🦴 What is Joint Pain?
A red-highlighted knee or elbow joint
Explanation: Joint pain is discomfort, aches, or soreness in any of the body’s joints. It can affect one or multiple joints and vary from mild to severe.
🔍 Common Causes of Joint Pain
- 🧓 Osteoarthritis
Worn-out joint with cartilage loss
Explanation: Degeneration of cartilage due to aging or overuse. - 🧬 Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Immune system attacking joints
Explanation: An autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation in joints. - 🍖 Gout
Crystals in a toe joint
Explanation: Uric acid crystals build up in the joint, often affecting the big toe. - 💥 Injury or Overuse
Cracked bone or strained muscle
Explanation: Strains, sprains, or repetitive motion can inflame joint tissues. - 🦠 Infection
Bacteria symbol inside a joint
Explanation: Joint pain caused by bacterial or viral infection (e.g., septic arthritis).
🧪 Diagnosis Methods
- 🩺 Physical Exam
Doctor examining a joint - 🔬 Blood Tests
Test tube or blood drop - 🧼 Joint Fluid Analysis
Syringe extracting fluid - 📸 Imaging Tests (X-ray, MRI)
X-ray image of a joint
💊 Treatment Options
- 🛏️ Rest & Ice
Ice pack on joint - 💪 Physical Therapy
Therapist stretching a limb - 💊 Medication
Pill bottle or capsules - 💉 Steroid Injections
Syringe and swollen joint - 🏥 Surgery (e.g., Joint Replacement)
Artificial joint or operating room
⏰ When to See a Doctor
Explanation:
- Pain lasts more than a few days
- Swelling or redness
- Fever + joint pain
- Inability to move joint properly