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10 Common Joint Problems – When to Worry and When to See a Doctor
Here are 10 common joint problems, their symptoms; and when to worry, and when to see a doctor.
1. Osteoarthritis
- What it is: Age-related wear and tear (and inflammation) of joint
- Symptoms: Joint pain, stiffness, limited mobility, and swelling
- When to Worry: If you experience persistent joint pain, swelling or stiffness
- When to See a Doctor: If pain persists or worsens over time
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis
- What it is: Autoimmune disease causing inflammation and joint damage. Affects whole body, not just joints
- Symptoms: Joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited mobility
- When to Worry: If you experience persistent joint pain or swelling
- When to See a Doctor: If symptoms persist or worsen over time
3. Gout
- What it is: Rapid inflammation and swelling in a joint, often in the big toe – due to excess uric acid in the joint
- Symptoms: Rapid, severe joint pain (especially big toe), redness, and swelling
- When to Worry: If you experience sudden, severe joint pain
- When to See a Doctor: Soon if symptoms occur
4. Tendinitis
- What it is: Inflammation of tendons, causing pain and stiffness
- Symptoms: Pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected tendon
- When to Worry: If you experience persistent pain or stiffness
- When to See a Doctor: If pain persists or worsens over time
5. Bursitis
- What it is: Inflammation of a fluid-filled sac within a joint, causing pain and swelling
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, and redness in the affected joint
- When to Worry: If you experience persistent pain or swelling
- When to See a Doctor: If symptoms persist or worsen over time
6. Ankle Sprain
- What it is: Ligament stretch or tear, causing pain and swelling – usually related to exercise
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, bruising, and limited mobility
- When to Worry: If you experience severe pain or swelling
- When to See a Doctor: If pain persists or worsens over time
7. Knee Injury
- What it is: Trauma or overuse causing pain and limited mobility
- Symptoms: Pain, swelling, limited mobility, and instability
- When to Worry: If you experience severe pain or swelling
- When to See a Doctor: If pain persists or worsens over time
8. Shoulder Injury
- What it is: Trauma or overuse causing pain and limited mobility
- Symptoms: Pain, stiffness, limited mobility, and weakness
- When to Worry: If you experience persistent pain or limited mobility
- When to See a Doctor: If pain persists or worsens over time
9. Hip Pain
- What it is: Various causes, including osteoarthritis (commonest, especially in older people), injury, or overuse
- Symptoms: Pain, stiffness, and limited mobility in the hip joint
- When to Worry: If you experience persistent pain or limited mobility
- When to See a Doctor: If pain persists or worsens over time
10. Septic Arthritis
- What it is: Infection in the joint (usually bacterial)
- Symptoms: Rapid, severe joint pain, swelling, redness, and warmth
- When to Worry: If you experience sudden, severe joint pain
- When to See a Doctor: Immediately if symptoms occur
Red Flags: When to See a Doctor Now
- Sudden, severe joint pain
- Joint deformity or swelling
- Fever, chills, or signs of infection
- Persistent or worsening pain
- Limited mobility or difficulty walking
- Recent trauma or injury.
If you experience any of these red flags or persistent symptoms, consult a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment.
