Understanding your pain
What joint pain feels like
Joint pain is aching, stiffness or soreness where two bones meet, such as in the hip, knee, shoulder or hand. It can come and go or stay constant. It may make it harder to move, climb stairs, grip things or sleep comfortably.
Arthritis is one of the most common causes. It means inflammation in a joint, and it can happen in many forms. You can learn more in our article on what to know about arthritis.
What may be causing it
Common causes of joint pain
Common causes of joint pain include:
- Arthritis
- Bursitis, which is inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion a joint
- Tendinitis, which is irritation of a tendon
- Ligament injuries and sprains
- Pinched nerves
- Strain from sports or other physical activity, or from an injury
People who are active are at higher risk of straining a joint. Trauma to the soft tissue around a joint can cause inflammation. In some cases it can also lead to a strained or torn tendon, a dislocation or a broken bone.
When to book a visit
When to see a pain specialist for joint pain
Consider an appointment if joint pain:
- lasts for weeks or keeps coming back;
- does not improve with rest and simple home care;
- limits your daily activities or your sleep;
- comes with swelling, stiffness or a joint that feels unstable.
When to get care right away
See a doctor right away if a joint is swollen and hot with a fever, if you cannot use or bear weight on the joint after an injury, or if the joint looks out of place.
Your evaluation
How we evaluate joint pain
Your visit starts with a conversation and an examination.
We listen
Your provider asks where the pain is, when it started, what makes it better or worse, and what you have tried.
We examine
Your provider examines the joint, checks how it moves and reviews your health history. Imaging such as an X-ray or MRI may be used when it will help show what is happening in the joint.
We explain
You will hear what may be causing the pain and which options might fit. If a procedure is recommended, the team explains the steps, the possible risks and what recovery looks like before you decide.
Your care options
Treatment options for joint pain
Depending on the cause of your pain, your provider talks through your options so you can decide with full information.
- Cortisone steroid injections Used to reduce inflammation in a joint, tendon or muscle.
- Radiofrequency ablation Uses heat on a nerve that carries pain signals from certain joints.
- Hyaluronic acid (gel) knee injections A gel-like fluid injected into the knee, used for some people with knee osteoarthritis.
- Regenerative medicine A group of treatments that some patients consider for joint pain. Research on these treatments is still developing, and they are usually not covered by insurance.
Cortisone injections are a common choice when inflammation is a main part of the problem. They do not suit everyone, and the effect varies from person to person. Your plan is based on your evaluation.
Common questions
Questions about joint pain
Your provider can answer questions about your own care at your visit.
What can cause this pain to last for months?
Joint pain can last when the cause is ongoing. Arthritis, tendon or bursa irritation, an old ligament injury or a pinched nerve can all keep a joint sore. Repeated strain from activity can also keep pain going. An exam, and sometimes imaging, helps show which cause fits you.
What treatment options do you offer?
Options may include cortisone steroid injections, radiofrequency ablation and regenerative medicine, based on the cause of your pain. Your provider reviews the choices with you after your evaluation, including what each treatment can and cannot do.
When is an injection considered?
An injection may be considered when joint pain and inflammation continue despite rest, home care or medicine. A cortisone steroid injection is often used to reduce inflammation in or around a joint. Not everyone needs an injection, and your provider decides with you after an exam.
What kind of doctor treats joint pain?
Joint pain that lingers or keeps flaring up is worth having looked at. We evaluate joint pain and arthritis and focus on nonsurgical treatment, including injections. You can book with us directly; some HMO plans ask for a referral first.
Related care
Clinical references
This page shares general information. It is not medical advice and does not replace a visit with a qualified clinician.