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| Definition: |
Arthralgia is pain in one or more joints. See also arthritis (inflammation of joints), muscle pain, and bursitis.
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| Alternative Names: |
Stiffness in a joint; Pain - joints; Arthralgia
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| Considerations: |
Joint pain is not always caused by arthritis but can still be very bothersome.
Osteoarthritis is degeneration of cartilage at a joint and growth of bone spurs. It is very common in adults over 45 years old.
Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa. The bursa are fluid-filled sacs that cushion and pad bony prominences, allowing muscles and tendons to move freely over the bone.
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| 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.)
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| Call your health care provider if: |
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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.
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| 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:
Intervention:
Physical therapy for muscle and joint rehabilitation may be recommended.
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.
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Review Date: 11/23/2001
Reviewed By: Birgit Kovacs, M.D., Division of Rheumatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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