What causes joint pain?

Joint pain is a common problem in adults, however, it can feel very different from one person to the next. For some people it’s a dull ache in one knee after a long walk. For others it’s sore, stiff hands first thing in the morning. Either way, it helps to know what might be going on under the surface.

A ‘joint’ is – as the word suggests – where two bones meet, like your knee, hip, shoulder, wrist, lower back or the small joints in your fingers. Joints are built to move, but they also take a lot of load. However, pain can start when a joint is irritated, inflamed, injured or worn, or when the tissues around it (muscles, tendons and ligaments) are under strain.

With this in mind, joint pain can have many different causes. Sometimes it’s linked to a minor impact injury or everyday wear and tear. Other times it can be a sign of inflammation, infection or an underlying condition that needs medical advice.

In this guide, we explain the most common causes of joint pain, look at the differences between localised pain and pain that affects multiple joints, and explore when simple self-care may help or whether it’s time to seek professional medical advice.

What causes localised joint pain?

Localised joint pain usually affects one joint or one main area. It often has a clear trigger and may improve with time, rest and appropriate joint pain treatment.

Minor injuries, sprains and strains

A sudden twist, overstretch or knock can irritate the tissues around a joint. This may lead to pain, swelling, tenderness or stiffness, especially when you move the joint. Ankles, knees, wrists and shoulders are common problem areas.

When the cause is a minor injury and the pain is mild to moderate, some people choose a topical treatment to target the area directly. Ralgex® Pain Relief Cream can be used on sore, stiff joints and surrounding muscles to provide a warming sensation through its clinically proven ingredient, methyl salicylate. Trusted by generations for over 75 years and now in a new formula, Ralgex has got you covered when it comes to muscle and joint pain relief.

Alternatively, for mild injuries, you may prefer complementary heat therapy such as Ralgex® Heat Spray. This product’s convenient and easy-to-use format makes it simple to deliver direct relief precisely where it’s needed, even when you’re on the go.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the UK. It develops when joint tissues change gradually over time and is more likely to affect people over 45, although it can occur earlier. Knees, hips, hands and the spine are often affected.

Pain from osteoarthritis is usually felt in one or a few joints. It may be worse after activity or after sitting still for a long time, and stiffness is common, especially first thing in the morning.

Gout

Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a build-up of uric acid crystals in a joint. It often affects a single joint and can cause sudden, severe pain, redness and swelling. The big toe is commonly affected, but other joints can be involved.

Because gout can look similar to a joint infection, sudden severe pain and swelling in one joint should always be checked, especially if you feel unwell.

Joint infection

Although less common, infection in a joint can cause intense pain, swelling, heat and redness, often with a fever. This needs urgent medical attention and should not be treated with self-care products alone.

What causes joint pain all over the body?

Pain that affects many joints at once, or seems to move around the body, can have different causes from pain in a single joint. These are more likely to need medical assessment.

Inflammatory arthritis

Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis cause inflammation inside the joints. This can lead to pain, swelling, warmth and stiffness, often affecting the same joints on both sides of the body. Morning stiffness that lasts longer than 30 minutes is a common feature.

Inflammatory arthritis often causes joint pain in the hands, wrists, feet and knees at the same time, which can make it feel like ‘all over’ joint pain.

Viral infections and post-infection joint pain

Some viral infections can cause temporary joint pain alongside symptoms such as fever, fatigue or general aches. In some cases, joint pain can continue for a short time after the infection has cleared.

Autoimmune and connective tissue conditions

Certain conditions – such as Lupus – that affect the immune system can cause joint pain as part of a wider pattern of symptoms. These may include rashes, mouth ulcers, extreme tiredness or fevers. Ongoing joint pain with these symptoms should always be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Muscle pain mistaken for joint pain

Pain that feels like it’s coming from the joints can sometimes come from the muscles around them. Conditions such as polymyalgia rheumatica cause pain and stiffness in muscles around the shoulders, neck and hips, which can affect movement and feel like widespread joint pain.

When to seek advice

Joint pain doesn’t always need medical treatment, but there are times when it’s important to get checked.

You should seek urgent medical advice if:

• Severe joint pain and swelling start suddenly
• The joint is hot, very red or you feel unwell with a fever.

You should book a GP appointment if:

• Joint pain is affecting sleep or everyday activities
• It keeps coming back or is getting worse
• Morning stiffness lasts longer than 30 minutes
• Pain hasn’t improved after two weeks.

Managing everyday joint pain with Ralgex

If joint pain is linked to a minor injury such as a sprain or strain, Ralgex products can help target pain directly at the site when used short term and as directed.

For stiff, sore joints and muscles, especially where warmth feels soothing, Ralgex® Double Action Heat Patch can be used as part of everyday self-care. Their unique dual-action formula blends arnica extract with mint and eucalyptus oils in an ultra-light, second-skin hydrogel matrix, providing instant soothing comfort alongside long-lasting warmth for up to eight hours of relief.

If joint pain is widespread, severe or comes with other symptoms, topical products may help with comfort in specific areas, but they won’t address the underlying cause. In those cases, professional advice is the most important next step.