Joint soreness and pain, what's going on?

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Abstract:Joint soreness and pain can be caused by conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or systemic lupus erythematosus. It is important to seek timely medical attention in order to receive proper diagnosis and treatment tailored to the specific underlying cause.

1. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that triggers an abnormal immune response in the body due to infection with group A streptococcus, leading to infiltration of inflammatory cells, synovial hyperplasia, and cartilage destruction, causing joint swelling and pain. Patients can use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief under medical guidance, such as sustained-release ibuprofen capsules and acetaminophen tablets.

2. Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a chronic joint inflammation caused by degenerative changes in joint cartilage. With increasing age, uneven stress on the joint surfaces and increased local pressure can lead to gradual cartilage wear, subchondral bone plate hardening in weight-bearing areas, and the appearance of symptoms of joint pain due to mechanical stimulation. The treatment for osteoarthritis mainly focuses on reducing joint burden, and patients can use knee pads to protect the joints and reduce intense physical activity under medical advice to avoid exacerbating discomfort.

3. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by synovitis. Genetic and environmental factors may increase the risk of developing the disease. When the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissues, it causes joint inflammation and damage, leading to joint pain. Patients can control the progression of the disease and alleviate discomfort by taking medications such as methotrexate and leflunomide under medical guidance.

4. Gout

Gout is a crystal-related arthritis caused by disorder of purine metabolism leading to hyperuricemia. If the level of uric acid in the body is too high, urate crystals may form and deposit in the joints, repeatedly stimulating surrounding tissues and causing joint pain. Patients need to adjust their diet, avoiding seafood, animal liver, and other foods as much as possible. If necessary, they can also reduce uric acid levels with medications like allopurinol and probenecid under medical guidance.

5. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a systemic autoimmune inflammatory connective tissue disease that affects multiple organs. The exact cause of the disease is not clear, but genetic factors, changes in hormone levels, and certain substances in the environment may be contributing factors. These factors may lead to an abnormal immune response in the body, attacking normal tissues, including the joints, causing joint pain. Patients can suppress the immune response and improve symptoms of discomfort by using corticosteroids such as prednisolone tablets and methylprednisolone injections under medical guidance.

It is recommended to regularly monitor changes in joint symptoms to promptly detect and address any new or worsening symptoms. Moderate exercise helps maintain joint flexibility, but overexertion should be avoided to prevent exacerbating joint discomfort.

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