Aching Joints

Aching joints are mostly noticed in aged people. Two different bones are connected at the joints. Wear and tear during the process of aging can lead to joint pain. Aching joints can be observed for short term or for long term, depending upon the causes. A joint mainly consists of the tissues, bursae, ligaments and tendons. These structures offer stability to the joint. Here is a list of aching joints symptoms.

Aching Joints Symptoms

    * Swelling or inflammation of the affected joint is the main aching joint symptom.
    * Stiffness of the joint or locking of the joint
    * Burning or crunching sensation in the joint
    * Deformation of the joint
    * Mild to severe muscle pain
    * Restricted movement of the joint.
    * In case of infections, fever is noticed.

There are thousands of reasons behind aching joints. Here is an overview of the main aching joints causes.

Aching Joints Causes

    * Arthritis: Arthritis which affects the discs and bones is the main and common cause of aching joints in elderly people. Over hundred types of arthritis are known today. Though arthritis is more common in older people, it is also noticed in younger people these days. In arthritis, the inflammation of the lining of the joint, leads to the pain in the joint. Aching joints due to arthritis can not be completely cured but the pain can be relieved.
    * Bursitis: The small sacks called bursae, which contain synovial fluid act as the cushions and are responsible for the smooth, frictionless gliding of the bones in the joint during any activity. Bursitis symptoms include inflammation of bursae as the main symptom. Bursitis occurs due to excessive or repetitive pressure on the joint. Bursitis is mainly noticed in older people.
    * Wear and tear: Excessive sports activities, gardening, carpentry which involve physical strength, are responsible for the constant wear and tear of the tendons over the years and reduce the elasticity of the joints, as a result of which, they cannot take much stress and become prone to tearing.
    * Exercise: A overstretched or over strained muscle during exercise, strain or fatigue due to overexercise, wrong methods of weight lifting, not following the warm-up, stretching or cool down exercises can lead to aching joints. Aching joints at night can be a sign of over exertion during the day.
    * Health Problems of Women: Hormonal changes during pregnancy, fatigue during childbirth, increasing size of uterus applying extra pressure on some of the joints are the causes of aching joints after pregnancy. Stress, menstruation are the common causes of aching joints in women.
    * Various Diseases: Most of the diseases, result in weakness, leading to muscle fatigue and aching joints. For instance, anemia, cancer or tumors, thyroid problems, fever during any illness, diabetes, etc.
    * Injuries and Infections: Bacterial infections, fungal infections or viral infections are the common causes of aching joints and muscles. Bone or muscle injuries will also result in aching joints.
    * Genetics: If your family members have the problem of aching joints, there are chances that you may have the same problem. You can opt for the precautionary measures to prevent it.
    * Lack of Balanced Diet: Lack of balanced diet leading to vitamin deficiency can affect the metabolism of the body. This can cause aching joints and fatigue.
    * Lack of Exercise: Lack of exercise while following a sedentary lifestyle can lead to aching joints. Exercises are required to keep the joints active.
    * Dehydration: The insufficient supply of water to the body can result in dehydration leading to aching joints and fatigue.
    * Stress: Stress plays an important role in determining the health. Physical as well as mental stress can lead to aching joints.
    * Obesity: Excessive accumulation of fat or obesity can lead to aching joints. Hormonal imbalance may lead to obesity.
    * Weight Loss: Sudden or excessive weight loss while following fad diets may result in aching joints.
    * Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons is known as tendonitis. Bicep tendonitis can lead to aching joints in hands.