Overview
Understanding joint pain
A joint is more than the meeting point of two bones. Cartilage, capsule, ligaments, tendons, muscles, bursae, and nearby nerves can all contribute to pain around the same area.
The number of joints involved, the timing of stiffness, swelling, warmth, injury history, and systemic symptoms help distinguish mechanical, inflammatory, infectious, and other causes.
Useful context
What people may notice
- Pain with weight-bearing, reaching, gripping, or repeated movement
- Stiffness after rest or at a particular time of day
- Swelling, warmth, clicking, catching, or reduced range of motion
- Pain that may actually be referred from the neck, back, or nearby soft tissue
At the clinic
How evaluation works
- 01
Identify the exact location and whether one or several joints are involved.
- 02
Examine motion, stability, swelling, tenderness, strength, and nearby tissue.
- 03
Review imaging and laboratory testing when the suspected cause makes them useful.
- 04
Discuss activity, rehabilitation, medication, injection, and specialty referral options based on the diagnosis.
References
Sources and further reading
These references provide general education. They do not replace advice from a clinician who knows your health history.