When you're out and about, and everything in your body feels fantastic, all of a sudden, lightning strikes. That's how it appears, at least. Even if you've never had it before, a sudden onset of joint pain and inflammation can ruin your day and raise questions in your mind.
In contrast to the slow deterioration associated with arthritis, sudden joint pain can appear out of nowhere. Some describe it as a sharp and abrupt pain that affects one or more joints. But if you haven't seen anything starting to ache or willfully damage yourself, where may the inflammation and pain in joints originate?
Here are some of the most frequent reasons for sudden pain and inflammation in joints, how to treat them, and when to consult a doctor.
1. Pain and inflammation in joints by injury
Injuries to the joints might cause pain and inflammation that isn't felt for days or even weeks after the incident. Similarly, old injuries can reactivate from time to time, especially when the weather turns cold. In most cases, ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and rest are the most effective treatments.
There may be acute pain, inflammation in joints, and even deformity after an injury such as a joint break, sprain, or dislocation. A doctor's care may be mandatory depending on the joint and the severity of the injury.
2. Musculoskeletal problems
Sometimes, pain that appears like it's originating from the joint is genuinely an issue with the tendons, ligaments, or muscles around it. Many conditions can cause joint pain and inflammation, such as tendinitis, tendonitis, and bursitis.
It's also possible that the abrupt emanation of pain may have been building up for some time, and something eventually drove it over the pain threshold. Repetitive Stress injuries and Carpal tunnel syndrome can begin to manifest themselves in the background before anyone notices.
3. Infections can result in pain and inflammation in joints
Infection can cause joint pain, which can start within a few hours. There may also be redness, edema, and an inability to move the joint with this sort of pain. Septic arthritis, a bacterial infection, is one of the most common diagnoses. To avoid lasting joint injury, urgent treatment is needed for this form of illness, which may also be accompanied by fever.
4. Gout
It is caused by an excess of uric acid in the body, which results in the formation of crystals in the joint's lubricating fluid. Redness and swelling are the most prevalent symptoms in the ankle, big toe, or instep. A flare-up can be controlled with anti-inflammatory medication, and dietary adjustments may help lessen the likelihood of a recurrence. Gout symptoms can worsen by drinking alcohol, eating organ meats, mussels, asparagus, anchovies, or meals containing high fructose corn syrup.
The Bottom Line
Osteoarthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, or even an infectious disease like influenza or the mumps can cause sudden pain and inflammation in joints that affect the entire body. You may need to consult a doctor if home remedies like rest, exercise, and healthy lifestyle changes do not alleviate your pain.
If you've noticed that your joints are acting up, our team of professionals can help you find the root cause and the best treatments. Make an appointment right away and start your journey to better health.