Pain is an inevitable part of life. Whether emotional or physical, millions of Americans suffer from some sort of pain. Joint pain, in particular, is the most common type of physical pain.

Joints form the connections between bones. Their main purpose is to provide support to bones. Any kind of damage to the joints may cause pain. In addition, it may also interfere with the body movement.

There are many different causes of joint pain. Although some of them are harmless, others require urgent treatment. Needless to say, chronic joint pain does not just diminish one’s productivity, it also requires high medical expenses. Depending on the cause, joint pain may affect just one joint or multiple joints. Read on to learn the most common causes of joint pain:

Osteoarthritis

The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis affects millions of Americans.  It is more common among the elderly – more than one-third of adults over the age of 65 have osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is caused by a breakdown in the joint cartilage that wears down with age. Other causes of osteoarthritis include obesity, chronic stress and joint injury. Although osteoarthritis can occur in any joint, the joints in your hands, knees, hips and spine are the most commonly affected areas.  Staying active can help reduce the chances of developing osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis refers to swelling or inflammation of joints, which ultimately damages the joints. It mainly affects the fingers, wrists, knees, ankles and feet.

Even though a person can develop rheumatoid arthritis at any age, it is more widespread in middle age. Women are more susceptible to developing rheumatoid arthritis. However, it is not as common as osteoarthritis.

Besides joints, rheumatoid arthritis affects the immune system as well. Thus, it is also referred to as an autoimmune disorder because the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s tissues.

Reactive arthritis

Reactive arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints. It occurs when a joint reacts to an infection. As compared to other types of arthritis, reactive arthritis is relatively uncommon. It is mostly common among men (aged between 20 and 40) because they are susceptible to urethral infection. That being said, anyone can get it anytime. The symptoms of reactive arthritis usually last for three to six months – based on the severity of the condition. In some cases, they can last longer.

Injury

Different types of injuries can lead to joint ache or discomfort. If you have a dislocated joint, a fractured bone or have an injured tendon, consult with your doctor.

Gout

Gout is a kind of arthritis. It triggers inflammation in one or more joints. Gout attacks are painful and can cause harm to the joints and other tissues – if left untreated.

Excessive uric acid in blood causes gout attacks. This acid can develop crystals in joints. The chances of getting gout are higher among overweight individuals. Limit the intake of alcohol and meat as they packed with purines that cause gout.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with a doctor if you witness the following symptoms:

·         Redness

·         Swelling

·         Tenderness around the joint

·         Joint deformity

·         Intense pain

In some cases, your doctor will conduct tests, such as blood tests and/or x-rays to determine the cause of the joint pain.

What is the treatment for joint pain?

For moderate joint pain, an over-the-counter medicine, such as Ibuprofen or Paracetamol can work. In addition, physical therapy is recommended for moderate pain. However, if you find your condition deteriorating, consult your doctor for complete treatment.

Another effective joint pain relief treatment option is Joint Relief. Manufactured by The Joint Relief Company, Joint Relief is a natural hyaluronic acid supplement. Unlike other joint pain supplements, Joint Relief does not contain animal by-products; thereby making it 100 % vegan. The vegan formula is microbially synthesized and is chemical-free. While manufacturing, The Joint Relief Company focuses on strict quality control. Learn how they do so here.