There are countless causes of joint pain. The flu, gout, Lyme disease, arthritis, bursitis, psoriasis, sickle cell disease, tendonitis, cancer, hemophilia, inflammatory bowel disease, and muscle sprains can all cause joint pain. With all the potential causes of joint pain, it's imperative you take the time to visit a professional doctor or specialist to get a proper diagnosis. Don't rely on your own judgment unless you're a joint specialist.

You might have to go to more than one doctor. You might start with a general practitioner, get an examination, possibly a diagnosis, and then a referral to a specialist. Because the causes of joint pain are rarely obvious, it might be necessary to seek the consultation of a few different physicians.

Joint Pain in Athletes

Arthritis and bursitis are two of the more common causes of joint pain especially in adults over the age of 40. These two conditions can occur anywhere in the body where two different bones meet. You can get arthritis in your wrists, spine, fingers, elbows, hips, ankles, neck, knees, shoulders, toes, or ankles. The joints endure a great deal of pressure and abuse throughout a person's lifetime and this consistent pounding often results in arthritis and bursitis.

People who participate in high-impact sports like football, rugby, lacrosse, and hockey have a greater risk of developing arthritis later in their lives. Even without the violent collisions, their joints endure a great deal of strain while running, skating, pivoting, jumping and instantly changing directions. The collisions just make it worse. If you participate in such sports, make sure you thoroughly stretch your body before and after games and practices.