Overview
From minor strain to arthritis-related conditions
What to notice
- Which joint or joints are painful
- Whether the pain started suddenly or gradually
- Whether there is swelling, redness or warmth
- Whether the joint feels stiff, especially after rest
- Whether movement or weight-bearing makes the pain worse
- Whether there is fever or another new symptom
Common cause groups
Strain or overuse
Repetitive activity, exercise or minor injury can cause temporary joint pain that is often worse with movement.
Wear-related joint changes
Changes in a joint over time can cause aching, stiffness and reduced movement, particularly in frequently used or weight-bearing joints.
Inflammatory causes
Inflammation can cause painful, stiff or swollen joints and may affect one or several joints.
Gout
Gout commonly causes sudden, intense joint pain with swelling, warmth and redness, but joint pain alone does not mean that gout is present.
Associated signs
Joint swelling
Joint stiffness
Redness or warmth
Reduced movement
Difficulty bearing weight
Fever
Fatigue
How it may be assessed
A doctor will usually consider which joints are affected, how the pain started, whether there is swelling or stiffness, and whether an injury or other symptoms are present. Examination is often important. Selected blood tests may provide additional information, but no single blood result can determine the cause of joint pain by itself.
Assessment and investigations
Uric Acid
Uric acid may be checked when gout is being considered, but a high uric acid result by itself does not confirm that joint pain is caused by gout.
Rheumatoid Factor
Rheumatoid factor may be considered when the pattern of joint pain suggests an inflammatory condition, but the result needs to be interpreted together with symptoms and examination.
Full Blood Examination
A blood count may be useful when joint pain occurs with fever, fatigue or other symptoms suggesting a broader inflammatory or infectious picture.
When to get checked
Consider medical assessment if joint pain persists, keeps returning, causes noticeable swelling or stiffness, limits normal movement, or begins affecting everyday activities.
Urgent warning signs
Seek prompt medical care if a joint suddenly becomes very painful, hot, red and swollen, especially with fever, or if you are unable to put weight on or use the affected joint normally.
Frequently asked questions
What are common causes of joint pain?
Joint pain can result from strain or overuse, wear-related joint changes, inflammation, gout and other conditions. The pattern of pain, swelling and stiffness helps guide what may need to be checked.
Can high uric acid cause joint pain?
High uric acid can be associated with gout, but a high result alone does not prove that joint pain is caused by gout. Symptoms and clinical assessment are also important.
When should a swollen joint be checked?
A joint that remains swollen or painful should be assessed, particularly if movement is limited. A suddenly hot, red, very painful joint, especially with fever or inability to bear weight, needs prompt medical attention.
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