Pain or slight discomfort in the joint is the most common symptom of arthritis. Unfortunately, joint pain is a symptom of a number of different ailments like bursitis, viral infection, tendonitis, and gout. If you bang your knee, elbow, or some other joint against a hard surface, you might experience joint pain for the next few days. The most important initial step is to rest the afflicted joint.

If you've ever been sick with the flu, measles, or mumps, you might remember having some joint pain. Illness takes its toll on the body, often depleting it of water, minerals, and vitamins. The body's immune system goes into overdrive and uses up its infection-fighting agents. Consequently, the entire body begins to ache, especially the muscles and joints. That's why it's important to hydrate your body and fill it with vitamin C and vitamin E.

Symptoms of Reactive Arthritis

Reactive arthritis is the type of arthritis that emerges as a reaction to an infection. It's caused by bacteria and eventually settles in the body's joints causing inflammation, stiffness, and pain. It most commonly affects the joints of the ankles, knees, and toes. If the area surrounding any of your joints becomes red, hot, and/or swollen, you might be dealing with reactive arthritis.

Reactive arthritis also carries some other specific symptoms. A condition called conjunctivitis occurs in about 50 percent of the reactive arthritis cases. The mucous membrane covering the eyeball and eyelid becomes inflamed and irritated. Sores might also emerge on the genitals and in the mouth. Finally, the joint pain might be worse in the morning.