Top 10 Causes of Joint Pain (and What to Do About Them)

Top 10 Causes of Joint Pain (and What to Do About Them)

By Kevin Fox, D.O., Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine

Joint pain can range from mild discomfort to severe, chronic pain that impacts your ability to move and enjoy daily life. Understanding the common causes of joint pain — and when to seek care — can help you find relief sooner.

At Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Kevin Fox, D.O., is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in advanced hip and knee joint replacement procedures, complex revision hip and knee surgeries, and comprehensive fracture care. Dr. Fox is dedicated to helping patients restore mobility, reduce pain, and return to their active lifestyles through personalized, state-of-the-art orthopedic treatment.

What Causes Joint Pain?

Joint pain can develop from injury, inflammation, overuse or chronic conditions. Below are the top 10 causes — and what you can do about each.

1. Osteoarthritis

Cause: Wear-and-tear damage to joint cartilage over time
Symptoms: Stiffness, pain with movement, reduced flexibility

What to do:

• Stay active with low-impact exercise.
• Use anti-inflammatory medications if recommended.
• Consider physical therapy or joint injections.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Cause: Autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation
Symptoms: Swelling, tenderness, morning stiffness

What to do:

• See a specialist (rheumatologist or orthopaedist).
• Start medications early to prevent joint damage.
• Follow a long-term treatment plan.

3. Bursitis

Cause: Inflammation of fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion joints
Symptoms: Pain, swelling, tenderness near joints like the shoulder or hip

What to do:

• Rest and ice the affected area.
• Avoid repetitive movements.
• Seek care if symptoms persist.

4. Tendinitis

Cause: Overuse or strain of tendons
Symptoms: Pain during movement, tenderness, mild swelling

What to do:

• Modify activities to reduce strain.
• Use rest, ice and anti-inflammatory treatments.
• Physical therapy may help prevent recurrence.

5. Joint Injuries (Sprains, Strains, Fractures)

Cause: Trauma from sports, falls or accidents
Symptoms: Sudden pain, swelling, bruising, limited mobility

What to do:

• Follow the RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation).
• Seek medical care for severe pain or instability.
• Imaging may be needed to rule out fractures.

6. Gout

Cause: Buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint
Symptoms: Sudden, intense pain — often in the big toe

What to do:

• Reduce foods high in uric acid.
• Take prescribed medications.
• Stay hydrated.

7. Lupus or Other Autoimmune Conditions

Cause: Immune system attacks healthy tissue
Symptoms: Joint pain, fatigue, swelling

What to do:

• Work with a specialist for diagnosis and treatment.
• Manage inflammation with medication.
• Maintain regular follow-ups.

8. Overuse and Repetitive Motion

Cause: Repeated stress on joints from work, sports or daily activities
Symptoms: Gradual onset pain, stiffness

What to do:

• Adjust ergonomics or technique.
• Take breaks and rest joints.
• Strengthening exercises can help prevent future issues.

9. Infection (Septic Arthritis)

Cause: Bacterial or viral infection in a joint
Symptoms: Severe pain, warmth, redness, fever

What to do:

• Seek immediate medical attention.
• Treatment may include antibiotics or drainage.

10. Chronic Pain Conditions

Cause: Complex pain disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system
Symptoms: Ongoing pain without a clear injury

What to do:

• Consult a pain management specialist.
• Explore treatments such as injections, therapy or rehabilitation.

When to See a Specialist for Joint Pain

You should consider seeing a specialist like Dr. Fox if you experience:

• Joint pain lasting more than a few weeks
• Swelling or stiffness that doesn’t improve
• Difficulty moving or bearing weight
• Pain that affects your sleep or daily activities

How Andrews Institute Can Help
At Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Kevin Fox, D.O., helps patients find lasting relief from hip and knee pain through personalized orthopedic care. Specializing in joint reconstruction and replacement, he treats arthritis, joint degeneration, and traumatic injuries with a focus on reducing pain, restoring mobility, and helping patients return to the activities they enjoy. Through individualized treatment plans and patient education, Dr. Fox empowers patients to make informed decisions and achieve the best possible outcomes.

Take the Next Step Toward Pain Relief

Joint pain isn’t something you have to live with. Whether it’s a recent injury or a chronic condition, early evaluation can make all the difference.

To learn more or schedule an appointment at Andrews Institute, call 448.227.7200.