Joint and osteoarthritic pain: Causes
Understand joint pain and osteoarthritis
Joint pain may be acute or chronic and be associated with a multitude of possible aetiologies.1
Here we review some of the potential causes of pain emanating from joint tissues.
Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of arthritis in adults2,3
Osteoarthritis is characterised by structural changes within the whole joint – as caused by a multitude of pathogenic factors4-6
- Mechanical: changes in cartilage composition increase its susceptablility to force-induced erosions
- Metabolic: activation of cell-signalling pathways in response to damage leads to further joint degradation
- Inflammatory: metabolic activity initiates a proinflammatory response
This complex process ultimately leads to structural destruction and failure of the synovial joint.6
Other conditions may also cause joint pain
Aside from osteoarthritis, a range of conditions can cause joint pain. Acute joint pain, for example, may arise from soft-tissue injuries such as sprains and strains, or overuse injuries or infection.1 Chronic joint pain however, may be associated with conditions such as tendonitis, bursitis or various forms of arthritis.7
Soft-tissue injuries are a common cause of acute joint pain. These can include sprains occurring during sports, and overuse injuries.8
Risk factors for osteoarthritis
Certain risk factors for osteoarthritis are known
Although the exact cause of osteoarthritis is unknown, certain factors increase its risk:3
- Joint injury – overusing your joint when it has not had enough time to heal
- Other conditions – osteoarthritis can happen in joints severely damaged by a previous condition such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis
- Increasing age
- Family history
- Obesity – as this puts excess strain on the joints such as knees and hips.
- Osteoarthritis is more common in women than men.
Understanding joint pain and osteoarthritis
Signs and symptoms
Explore an overview of how to recognise joint pain and osteoarthritis and know when to refer patients.
Science academy
Discover the Voltarol science academy which includes information on how to manage patients’ pain and useful resources.
Learn more
Voltarol Joint & Back Pain Relief 2.32% Gel Diclofenac Diethylammonium
For all day relief from joint pain - when applied morning and evening.
Voltarol Osteoarthritis Joint Pain Relief 1.16% Gel Diclofenac Diethylammonium
As effective as oral NSAIDs in osteoarthritis.9
