Joint pain and osteoarthritis: Causes
Understand joint pain and osteoarthritis
Joint pain may be acute or chronic and be associated with a multitude of possible aetiologies.1–3
Here we review some of the potential causes of pain emanating from joint tissues.
Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of worsening joint pain4,5
Osteoarthritis is characterised by structural changes within the whole joint, and is caused by a multitude of pathogenic factors:6–8
- Mechanical: changes in cartilage composition increase its susceptibility to force-induced erosions
- Metabolic: activation of cell-signalling pathways in response to damage leads to further joint degradation
- Inflammatory: metabolic activity initiates a proinflammatory response
This complex process ultimately leads to structural destruction and failure of the synovial joint.8
Other conditions may also cause joint pain
Aside from osteoarthritis, a range of conditions can cause joint pain. Acute joint pain, for example, may arise from soft-tissue injuries such as sprains and strains, overuse injuries or infection.2,3,9 Chronic joint pain however, may be associated with conditions such as tendonitis, bursitis or various forms of arthritis.2–4,10
Risk factors for osteoarthritis
Certain risk factors for osteoarthritis are known
Although the exact cause of osteoarthritis is unknown, certain factors are known to increase its risk:8,11–13
- Older age
- Female gender
- Increased body weight (particularly affects the knees)
- Family history of osteoarthritis or bone abnormalities
- Socioeconomic status
- Injury or overuse of joints (e.g. in athletes)
- Previous joint trauma (particularly affects the knees)
- Muscle weakness
Understanding joint pain and osteoarthritis
Signs and symptoms
Find out how to recognise joint pain and osteoarthritis and understand when to refer patients.
Overview of sprains and strains
Learn more about sprains and strains, and meet two patients with these conditions.
Learn more
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Up to 12 hours relief from mild osteoarthritis flare-up pain.14
