Joint pain

Alternative names:

arthralgia; pain in the joints; stiffness in a joint

Home care:

Follow prescribed therapy in treating the underlying cause.

For nonarthritis joint pain, both rest and exercise are important. Warm baths, massage, and stretching exercises should be used as frequently as possible.

Anti-inflammatory medications may help relieve pain and swelling. (Consult your health care provider before giving aspirin or NSAIDs to children.)

Call your health care provider if:

• fever is not associated with flu symptoms.
• there is an involuntary weight loss of 10 or more pounds.
• the joint pain persists beyond 3 days.
• there is severe, unexplained joint pain especially if accompanied by other unexplained symptoms.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting joint pain may include:

• location
  • Where is the pain?
  • Which joint hurts?
  • Is the pain on one side or both sides?

• time pattern
  • How long have you been having this pain?
  • Have you had this pain before?
  • Did this pain begin suddenly and severely or slowly and mildly?
  • Does the pain recur?
  • Has the pain become more severe?
  • Is the pain constant or does it come and go?

• aggravating factors
  • What started your pain?
  • Have you injured your joint?
  • Have you had repeated injuries?
  • Have you had an illness? Fever?
  • What makes the pain worse?
  • Does moving the joint make the pain worse?
  • Does resting the joint make the pain worse?

• relieving factors
  • What reduces the pain?
  • Does resting the joint reduce the pain?
  • Does moving the joint reduce the pain?
  • Are there positions that are comfortable?
  • Does keeping the joint elevated help?
  • Do medications reduce the pain?
  • Does massage help?
  • Does applying heat help?

• other
  • What other symptoms do you have in addition to the joint pain?
  • Is the joint swollen or red or tender to touch?
  • Is there any numbness?
  • Can you bend and straighten the joint?
  • Does the joint feel stiff?
  • Does movement cause pain?
  • Can you use the joint for normal activities?

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• blood studies (such as CBC or blood differential)
• X-rays of affected areas (rarely done) (see joint X-ray)

Intervention:
Physical therapy for muscle and joint rehabilitation may be recommended in severe cases.

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to joint pain, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.