When it’s your first time experiencing excruciating pain in your body’s joints, it can be overwhelming and confusing—to say the least. Joint pain is something that many adults can relate to. According to the CDC, 23% of all adults have arthritis in the U.S. That’s over 54 million people, with one in four of those adults reporting severe joint pain. But this isn’t the only disease that can cause joint pain. Understanding the different causes of joint pain has helped the world of medicine advance and help more people.

What diseases cause joint pain?

If it’s not something like a sprain or any other injury, joint pain is most likely the result of osteoarthritis, arthritis, gout, or bursitis. Many medical articles, such as those from WebMD and the Merck Manuals, state that joint pain is very common. For the most part, it’s just our bodies getting older. Our bone mass declines with age. Playing sports or running also places significant strain on your joints. Many factors can cause joint pain.

What happens when you have arthritis?

The most common symptoms of arthritis are joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. You may also notice your skin turns red around the affected area. Your body is basically experiencing inflammation. This joint inflammation is causing the pain your body is experiencing. Because of this, you might lose your appetite and feel tired all the time. The disease definitely takes a toll on your body.

What’s going on in your body?

When you’ve got arthritis, there is obviously something going on inside the body. Here are some key facts from Medical News Today. Cartilage, a flexible connective tissue in your joints, can develop arthritis if its normal amount is reduced. That’s because it is designed to protect the joints. It is designed to absorb pressure during movement and reduce stress on the joints. When you lack that, the pain starts coming in.

How can we help?

For treatment to begin, doctors must determine which type of arthritis you have. At Capitol Pain, we treat each patient as an individual. We know that not all pain is the same for everyone. That’s why we go through your pain and find a solution that is specifically for you. Common treatments can include medication management, injections, bracing, physical therapy, joint replacement, and more. There is a way to live your life with less pain, and we can help you get there.