What Can Cause Muscle and Joint Pain?
Muscle and joint pain or soreness is a common physical symptom that can be associated with a range of conditions. Determining the cause of pain is essential for proper treatment. • Trauma • Traumatic events that put stress on the joints or muscles, such as absorbing too much impact during physical activity, can cause pain. • Chronic Pain • Chronic joint and muscle pain can be caused by torn muscle fibers or tendons and the degradation of connective tissue, which can lead to arthritis. • Disease • Many infectious diseases, such as influenza, hepatitis and malaria, also can cause joint and muscle pain. • Overuse • Tissue damage caused by repetitive physical activity brings pain, too. Endurance athletes and manual laborers are at an increased risk of overuse injuries. • Treatment • Treatment for joint and muscle pain depends on the underlying cause. If pain does not dissipate with rest, consult a doctor.