Joint Pain Symptoms 

The joint is a hard working component of the body. Without it, we could not bend, twist or move. The body would be inflexible. Because of the load joints assume on a regular basis, they become susceptible to injury, trauma and disease. The causes vary but the symptoms remain generally constant. The effect is usually the same – joint pain.

Causes

There are any number of problems that result in joint pain. Besides accident and trauma, the more common attacks on joints are various diseases, some more common than others are. Among the top 10 are

• Osteoarthritis (OA)– the joints swell as the degenerated cartilage no longer provides adequate cushioning for the bones. This is the most common of all the problems affecting the joints.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) – an autoimmune disorder, the joint inflammation arises from the inflammation of the synovium tissue layer of the affected joints
• Reactive Arthritis – the joint swelling is triggered by an infection in another part of the body
• Septic (infectious) arthritis – This occurs within the actual hip joint. The infection produces a reddened and very sore joint
• Spondylarthritis – arthritis of the spine in which the joint becomes inflamed
• Gout – caused by excess of uric acid deposited in the joints results in the joints being inflamed, swollen and red

Joints Affected

The body is composed of a multitude of joints. Wherever there is a bone, you are likely to discover a joint or 2 working with them. As a result, all joints are open to possible inflammation, disease invasion and other related problems. However, the more common sites of joint problems are the knees, hands, elbows, feet and hips.

Symptoms

Joint pain manifests itself in a number of ways. Among the most common and basic symptoms is inflammation. Inflammation is a reaction of the tissue to any kind of injury whether it be the result of trauma, chemicals or infection. The tissue and affected joint become swollen. They are hot to the touch and appear red.
Septic Arthritis features a reddened joint as does gout. Gout also has features swelling and inflammation. So, too does ganglion. RA and OA are classic versions of joint inflammation. In the case of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), the joints are painful, swollen and very stiff.

Treatment

Treatment involving joint pain relies on the intensity of the pain and the specific illness or problem involved. Joint pains involving selling and inflammation rely on similar treatments. The most common types of treatment for joint pain symptoms involve reduction of the inflammation and swelling using different types of medication. The choice of which type depends upon the sensitivity of the individual to the drugs and the possible effects, the length of time the individual will need to take medication for the symptoms and the extent of the damage to the joint. Among the most common forms of treatment for joint pain symptoms are

• NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs – these are in common use and consist of such things as ASA, acetaminophen and ibuprofen
• COX-2 or cyclo-oxygenase-2 inhibitors - These are a newer form of NSAIDS that claim to have less gastrointestinal side effects. One of the more recognized names if Celebrex.
• Corticosteroids – These are antinflammatories called steroids. Usually injected but also available in oral form.

Conclusion

Joint pain symptoms can appear as the result to a trauma to the body, chemicals taken internally or used externally or a disease. In all instances, the most common reaction of the joint is to swell, inflame and appear red. The exact symptom may help indicate to the doctor the cause of the problem. The extent of the problem combined with the other factors will also govern the type of treatment.