Arthralgia is the medical term used to describe discomfort or pain located in one or more joints, and it is often mistakenly confused with arthritis.
What is arthralgia
The term arthralgia is used exclusively to refer to joint pain without evident inflammation, which is why it is not arthritis.
It is a symptom, not a disease itself, meaning it can have multiple underlying causes such as joint injuries, systemic diseases, infections, or metabolic problems. Since there is no inflammation, arthralgia is limited to pain.
Among the most common causes of arthralgia are mechanical overload, such as sports injuries, overuse, or sudden movements. It can also be caused by osteoarthritis and other degenerative conditions, as well as systemic diseases such as fibromyalgia or systemic lupus erythematosus.
Infections such as chikungunya virus or hepatitis can also trigger joint pain, as well as gout and other conditions related to uric acid production.
Joint pain
It is crucial to distinguish that not all joint pain is arthralgia, since pain accompanied by evident inflammation and symptoms such as redness or swelling does not fall under this condition.
Some factors that worsen joint pain include natural aging and degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis, physical activity, and weather, as some people experience increased joint pain in cold or humid climates.
Arthralgia can present varying degrees of severity and characteristics depending on its cause; some of the most common symptoms include:
- Localized pain: usually appears in one specific joint, although it may affect several at the same time, which is known as polyarthralgia.
- Joint stiffness: especially noticeable upon waking or after periods of inactivity.
- Difficulty moving: depending on the severity of the pain, there may be difficulty moving the affected joint.
- Tenderness: despite the absence of inflammation, the joints may still be sensitive to touch.
The pain in a person with arthralgia may be constant or intermittent and can range from mild discomfort to disabling pain that affects the person’s quality of life.
Myalgias and arthralgias
Myalgias and arthralgias are different conditions but are often related due to the anatomical proximity of muscles and joints, as well as sharing some common causes.
Myalgia refers to muscle pain, which may result from injuries, physical overexertion, viral infections, or systemic diseases, and is often accompanied by stiffness, muscle tenderness, and weakness.
The characteristics both conditions share include pain, stiffness, and difficulty performing movements; both may result from viral infections, autoimmune diseases, or fibromyalgia. Additionally, joint pain may lead to compensatory muscle tension, resulting in myalgias, while myalgia may, in turn, trigger arthralgia.
Arthralgia is a common symptom that may indicate various underlying conditions. Proper evaluation and management are essential to relieve pain and prevent major complications that can affect a person’s quality of life.
Depending on the cause, a general practitioner, a rheumatologist, an orthopedist or traumatologist, and even infectious disease specialists, physiatrists, or internists may provide the necessary medical care.
At ABC Medical Center’s Orthopedics and Traumatology Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
Fuentes:
MedlinePlus, MSD Manuals, Cigna
