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Unusual and underlying causes of joint conditions

Unusual and underlying causes of joint conditions

Joints form the connection between the bones and facilitate a range of motions. Any damage caused to these joints can interfere with the ability to move and cause a lot of pain. There are several joint conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and bursitis that are debilitating and painful. Joint pain is one of the most common pains that people, in general, complain about. A national survey suggested that one-third of adults have reported joint pain at least once in a month. Out of this, knee pain is the most common complaint followed by hip and shoulder pain.

Here are some of the unusual underlying causes that give rise to painful joint condition:

  • Gout
    It is a common form of arthritis that can affect any age group. Gout is characterized by episodes of severe pain, swelling, redness, and swelling of the joints typically at the base of the big toe. Gout is caused due to the formation of uric acid crystals near the toe. The body produces uric acid when it breaks down purines. Due to gout, the body loses its capacity to convert purines.
  • Lupus
    It is a systemic autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own organs and tissues. Lupus affects not only joints, but also affects the skin, blood cells, lungs, heart, and the brain. Apart from causing joint conditions, the most distinct sign of lupus is the formation of rashes that resembles butterfly wings unfolding across both cheeks.
  • Hypothyroidism
    Underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce required hormones. Hypothyroidism may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages but can cause several problems. One major symptom of hypothyroidism is obesity. Unexplained weight gain, followed by joint conditions.
  • Lyme disease
    It is caused by specific species of bacteria, it is the most common tick-borne illness that is transmitted from the bite of a bacteria-infected tick. Out of all the typical symptoms, Lyme disease can cause joint conditions such as severe knee swelling and pain. The pain can shift from one joint to another.
  • Osteomyelitis
    It is an infection in the bone. Several infections can reach the bone traveling through the bloodstream or nearby infected tissue. In some cases, infections can also occur if an injury exposes the bone to germs. The infection can sometimes cause pain in the bones and joints. This condition is called septic arthritis.
  • Fibromyalgia
    This type of disorder is usually characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain. Researchers usually attribute physical trauma, surgery, infection, and significant psychological stress as the causes of fibromyalgia. In many causes fibromyalgia also causes temporomandibular joint disorders, which can result in dull joint aches that can last for up to three months.

The causes mentioned above could result in joint conditions. So, it is necessary to be aware of all the symptoms and discuss the same with a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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