Types of Arthritis That Cause Sudden Joint Pain
Sudden onset joint pain can be due to a newly acquired condition or a long-term disease that flares up to cause sudden pain. Some causes include arthritis, infections, and chronic conditions like fibromyalgia.
Symptoms
Symptoms that may accompany joint pain, also known as arthralgia, include joint warmth, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness causing decreased range of motion.
Treatment
Treatment for sudden onset joint pain depends on what triggered it and the severity of the condition.
Types of Arthritis
An arthritis diagnosis is common, especially as people age and experience osteoarthritis. This condition tends to emerge over time, for example, with wear and tear to the joints.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the immune system attacking joint tissues. Inflammation occurs in the synovium, which is the inner lining of the joints. When the synovium thickens due to increased cells and the production of proteins, it leads to chronic pain in the joint.
Acute Inflammatory Arthritis
Acute inflammatory arthritis refers to a group of diseases triggered by an overactive immune system that typically attacks several joints (and perhaps other systems in your body) at the same time.
Septic Arthritis
Septic arthritis refers to joint infection caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Bacteria are the most common cause and most serious due to their highly destructive nature.
Reactive Arthritis
Reactive arthritis happens in response to an infection, usually a sexually transmitted or food-borne bacterial infection.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease can cause joint pain in its early stages, around 3 to 30 days after a tick bite.
Vitamin D Deficiency and Joint Pain
Vitamin D deficiency has been found to have a link to joint pain. Researchers studied vitamin D levels in rheumatoid arthritis patients. They found that vitamin D deficiency was more common in RA patients and that it may be one of the reasons why it develops or gets worse.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Joint pain that comes on suddenly isn’t always serious but it may be cause for concern. You should see a healthcare professional if you experience symptoms that don’t go away, including pain, swelling, or stiffness.
How Can I Treat Sudden Joint Pain?
Treatment for sudden onset joint pain will depend on the underlying cause, as well as other factors like your age and overall health. Some conditions may require less intervention than others.
Conclusion
Certain conditions can cause you to feel like your joints hurt suddenly. Different types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and septic arthritis, can cause acute symptoms. Chronic diseases, such as fibromyalgia and lupus can also cause painful joints. In some cases, infections can cause joint pain when you’re sick and sometimes for weeks or months afterward.
FAQs
- What are the common causes of sudden joint pain?
- Arthritis, infections, and chronic conditions like fibromyalgia
- What are the symptoms of joint pain?
- Joint warmth, tenderness, swelling, and stiffness causing decreased range of motion
- How is treatment for sudden onset joint pain determined?
- By the underlying cause and severity of the condition
- What are some self-care methods for managing joint pain?
- Hot and cold therapy, rest, and light physical activity
