Tenderness when the affected joint is touched or moved – Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Causes:

• Injury: Sprains (ligament tears), strains (muscle/tendon injuries), contusions (bruises), dislocations, and fractures can cause joint tenderness.
• Arthritis: Osteoarthritis (wear and tear), rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune), and other forms of arthritis cause joint inflammation and tenderness.
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs) around joints, such as in the knee, elbow, or shoulder, can cause localized tenderness and swelling.
• Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons surrounding a joint, such as in the wrist, elbow, or shoulder, causes tenderness at the tendon insertion points.
• Gout: A form of arthritis caused by uric acid crystal buildup in the joints, often affecting the big toe but can affect other joints, causing severe pain, swelling, and tenderness.
• Infection: Septic arthritis (infection in a joint) causes significant pain, swelling, redness, warmth, and tenderness.
• Overuse: Repetitive motions or excessive stress on a joint can lead to inflammation and tenderness.

Diagnosis:

• Physical Exam: Careful examination of the affected joint, noting the location of tenderness, swelling, redness, warmth, range of motion, and stability. Specific palpation of different structures around the joint.
• Patient History: Gathering information about the onset of symptoms, any injuries, repetitive activities, other medical conditions, and medications.
• Imaging:
  • X-rays: Essential to rule out fractures or arthritis.
  • MRI: May be used to visualize soft tissues like ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and other internal joint structures.
  • Ultrasound: Can be used to evaluate tendons and other soft tissues.
• Joint Aspiration: Removing fluid from the joint for analysis, which can help diagnose infection or other conditions.

Treatment:

• RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation): Often the initial treatment for joint injuries and inflammation.
• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter or prescription pain medication.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
• Assistive Devices: Crutches, walkers, or canes may be used to reduce weight bearing on the affected joint.
• Injections: Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation in some cases, such as for bursitis or tendinitis.
• Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive surgical procedure that can be used to diagnose and treat some joint problems, such as meniscus tears or ligament tears.
• Joint Replacement Surgery: May be necessary for severe arthritis.
• Treatment of Underlying Cause: If the tenderness is due to an underlying medical condition, treatment will be directed at that condition.

Important Considerations:

• Seek immediate medical attention if you have severe joint pain, deformity, or are unable to move the affected limb. This could indicate a fracture or dislocation.
• Consult a healthcare professional for persistent or unexplained joint tenderness. Do not attempt to self-treat without consulting a doctor. Early diagnosis is essential for effective treatment and to prevent complications.