Joint pain is incredibly common all across the country. And it doesn’t matter how unfit you are, either - it can occur with age, overuse, genetic reasons, and disease. In fact, there are a huge array of different diseases that cause joint pain, from arthritic conditions through to some cancers.

That’s not to say that if your joints are in pain, it means ‘goodnight, sweetheart,’ of course. But you should see a doctor who will be able to help you manage some of your symptoms, reduce the speed at which they spread, and keep you in good shape for many years to come.

With this in mind, today, we’re going to take a look at some of the most common causes of joint pain - and what you can do about it. Let’s get started with some of the basics.

Arthritic conditions

Many people refer to arthritis as a single condition, but it’s actually a huge group of diseases and conditions that include osteoarthritis through to fibromyalgia and gout. Arthritis basically means anything to do with the joints, so if you have pain in the same place on a regular basis, it could be time to see your doctor. These types of conditions can often arise as you get older, but it is not uncommon for them to become apparent when you’re young - passed on genetically.

Strains and sprains

But let’s not panic - your joint pain may not actually be a lifelong condition. Sprains and strains are fairly common injuries to your body, which usually result from some kind of physical activity. They occur when the ligaments are pulled and stretched from their comfort zone and can cause swelling and a lot of pain - possibly even immobilizing you. However, most strains and sprains settle down after a day or so, and with a lot of rest and pain relief, they shouldn’t be too much burden. If, however, your pain lasts for more than a week or so, it could be a sign of something else - so go visit your doctor.

Repetitive strain injuries and sports injuries

Overusing your joints - either during your working day or by playing sports like tennis and golf - can also result in joint pain., Repetitive strain injury is a lot more common than you think, and can affect you even if you do no other exercise at all - you can get it from typing, for example. If you suspect you are suffering from something like golf or tennis elbow, it’s always best to see an elbow doctor specialist to get you back on track. If left, it’s a problem that can worsen over time.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - or CFS - is a condition that is recognized by the medical profession, despite the fact that no one really knows what it is or why it occurs. It is characterized by extreme tiredness and fatigue and is often accompanied by sometimes severe joint pain. It can affect anyone, so if your joint pain is noticeable and you are feeling tired and lack energy on a regular basis, it’s best to see your physician. They will rule out any other conditions and help you work out a way to relieve your symptoms.