In short
Joint pain has many causes. In one joint after use or injury, it’s usually wear, a strain or a tendon problem. Several swollen, stiff joints point to inflammatory arthritis. A single hot, red, swollen joint with fever can be an infection and needs same-day care.
On this page
Common causes of joint pain
In one joint
- Osteoarthritis: aching that’s worse with use and better with rest, with brief stiffness. Knees, hips, hands and the base of the thumb are common.
- Injury: sprains, ligament and cartilage tears.
- Tendons and bursae: tendinopathy and bursitis cause pain near the joint, often with certain movements. Shoulder, elbow and outer hip are common sites.
- Gout: sudden, severe pain, redness and swelling, often in the big toe, ankle or knee.
- Infection: a hot, red, swollen, very painful joint, often with fever.
In several joints
- Rheumatoid arthritis: swollen, warm joints in the hands, wrists and feet on both sides, with long morning stiffness.
- Psoriatic arthritis and other inflammatory types.
- Viral infections can cause short-term joint aches.
- Osteoarthritis affecting several joints, especially in the hands.
- Widespread pain conditions such as fibromyalgia, where joints ache without swelling. See fibromyalgia.
Clues that point to inflammation
- Swelling that feels soft and warm
- Stiffness lasting more than 30 to 60 minutes in the morning
- Pain that eases with use rather than worsening
- Fatigue or feeling unwell
- Psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, eye inflammation or a family history of these
Inflammatory arthritis is worth picking up early, because starting treatment early can prevent joint damage.
Sore joints slowing you down?
Talk it through with an Australian doctor online. No referral needed.
What helps in the meantime
- Keep the joint moving gently, and avoid long periods of rest
- Ice for a hot, swollen, recently injured joint; heat for stiffness
- Pace activities and use supports or aids where helpful
- Ask your pharmacist or GP about short-term pain relief that’s safe for you
When to see a GP
- Joint pain lasting more than a few weeks
- Swelling, warmth or long morning stiffness
- Pain in several joints
- Pain that’s stopping you working, sleeping or moving
Get same-day medical care for a single hot, red, swollen joint with fever, or a joint you can’t move or put weight on after an injury.
Next step: talk to a doctor
Answer a few quick questions and you’ll get an email about your eligibility. A consultation doesn’t guarantee any particular treatment.
References
- Hunter DJ, Bierma-Zeinstra S. Osteoarthritis. Lancet. 2019;393(10182):1745-1759.
- Smolen JS, Aletaha D, McInnes IB. Rheumatoid arthritis. Lancet. 2016;388(10055):2023-2038.
- Dalbeth N, Gosling AL, Gaffo A, et al. Gout. Lancet. 2021;397(10287):1843-1855.
- Ritchlin CT, Colbert RA, Gladman DD. Psoriatic Arthritis. N Engl J Med. 2017;376(10):957-970.
- healthdirect. Arthritis.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t replace a consultation with a doctor who knows your history. In an emergency, call 000.