Joint pain is a common complaint and can have a variety of causes, making diagnosis a bit difficult at times. Some conditions which may have joint pain as a symptom include arthritis, bursitis, and hepatitis. Influenza and a systemic condition called lupus also typically present with joint pain. It is important to consult a doctor in order to obtain a correct diagnosis, as treatment options vary depending upon the cause.
Arthritis is a relatively common medical condition and is known for having joint pain as a symptom. Arthritis is a term given to a group of medical conditions which cause inflammation or swelling in one or more joints of the body. This inflammation often causes varying degrees of pain, ranging from mild to debilitating. Treatment options include over-the-counter or prescription medications, physical therapy, or surgical intervention.
Bursitis is a medical condition which causes inflammation of the bursa, which are small sacs full of a lubricating fluid and situated between various tissues of the body to reduce friction. Bursitis often includes joint pain as a symptom. Treatment for bursitis is almost identical to arthritis treatments, as the symptoms tend to be quite similar.
Hepatitis A often presents with joint pain as a symptom as well. This form of hepatitis is considered to be a sexually-transmitted disease and can be contagious even if the patient has no symptoms of the condition. In addition to joint pain, some common symptoms of Hepatitis A may include flu-like symptoms, weight loss, or abdominal pain. This condition usually clears up on its own within a couple of months, but in care cases, permanent liver damage may occur.
Influenza, also simply referred to as the flu, is a viral infection which commonly includes joint pain as a symptom. Influenza is an airborne disease and is highly contagious. Other symptoms typically include fever, nausea, vomiting, and a profound lack of energy. Some patients may also experience a dry cough, headache, or sore throat. Treatment includes rest, increased fluid intake and over-the-counter pain medications while waiting on the virus to resolve itself.
Lupus, medically known as systemic lupus erythematosus, is an autoimmune condition which almost always involves joint pain as a symptom. Other common symptoms include fatigue, weight changes, hair loss, and a butterfly-shaped rash across the face. There is no cure for lupus, but a variety of medications may be used to control individual symptoms. Surgery is rarely needed unless the disease progresses to the point where organ damage becomes severe.
