Sore Joints – The Different Possible Causes
The body’s joints bear more stress than any other part of the human body. It is not surprising then that sore joints is a chief complaint. Joint soreness can be caused by a variety of factors. The most common cause of joint pain is osteoarthritis. However, overuse and other illnesses also have an effect on joint health.
The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis. Most people over the age of 70 are afflicted with severity ranging from mild to severe. However, after the age of 55, the illness affects more women than men. Osteoarthritis is the erosion of the cushion between the bones. The cushion is a layer of cartilage – the same tissue that makes up the bridge of your nose. Age and normal use causes some of the wear. However, with osteoarthritis the cartilage completely disappears, which leaves the exposed bones to rub against each other. Painful outgrowths of bone, called spurs, can also occur.
Tendons, ligament and bones can all be affected by overuse. Tendons connect muscle to bone. Repetitive motion can cause tendons to swell and the joints to become sore. This phenomenon is called tendonitis. One of the most common forms of tendonitis is carpal tunnel syndrome. Ligaments connect bone to bone within a joint.
Overuse is a common problem among younger people. Tendonitis is usually caused by repetitive motion activities. A common form of tendonitis is called carpal tunnel syndrome which affects the wrists and forearms. Ligaments are the fibrous tissue that holds bones together. Ligaments can be damaged in two ways. A strain occurs when the ligament is stretched too far or used too much. Tiny tears occur in the fibers of the ligament which cause the tissue to swell. Sprains are the result of the joint being bent in an unnatural direction.
Other illnesses, besides osteoarthritis, also cause sore joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Its exact cause is unknown. However, it is believed to have a genetic component. This illness affects the joints by causing inflammation throughout all the joints. It is an autoimmune disease because the immune system sends out lymphocytes to fight the swelling. Lymphocytes are the cells that fight infections in the body. Septic arthritis is caused by a bacterial infection. The infection reaches the joints through the blood stream and settles in the joints, causing the cartilage to swell. Many other forms of arthritis also exist.
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