Why Do Joints Hurt? Common Causes and Contributing Factors

Joint pain is a common health concern that can affect people of different ages and activity levels. It may occur in one joint or several joints and can be associated with different conditions, injuries, physical activities, or changes that develop over time. The knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, and ankles are among the joints that may experience pain or stiffness.

Understanding why joints hurt begins with understanding the structure of a joint and the different factors that can affect it. Joint pain itself is a symptom rather than a single condition, so its cause can vary considerably from person to person.

What Are Joints and Why Are They Important?

Joints are the places where two or more bones meet. They help the body move and provide stability. A joint is made up of bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and other tissues. 

• Cartilage: Helps provide a smooth surface between bones.

• Ligaments: Connect bones and support joint stability.

• Tendons: Connect muscles to bones and help with movement.

Joints are essential for everyday activities such as walking, bending, lifting, reaching, and climbing stairs

Common Causes of Joint Pain

Injuries and Physical Strain

An injury is one of the common reasons for joint pain. Sprains, strains, fractures, and other injuries may occur during sports, exercise, work, falls, or everyday activities.

A sudden movement or impact can affect the tissues surrounding a joint. Symptoms may vary depending on the type and severity of the injury.

Overuse and Repetitive Movement

Repeatedly performing the same movement can place stress on joints and surrounding tissues. Some jobs, sports, hobbies, and activities involve repeated movements that can put stress on the joints.

MedlinePlus notes that overuse can contribute to problems involving soft tissues around joints, including conditions such as bursitis and tendinitis.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common joint condition that can damage cartilage and affect how a joint moves. It commonly affects the knees, hips, spine, and hands.

According to the World Health Organization, factors associated with osteoarthritis include older age, previous joint injury or overuse, excess body weight, genetics, and certain pre-existing joint conditions (1).

Inflammatory and Autoimmune Conditions

Joint pain and swelling can also happen with inflammatory or autoimmune conditions. Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, psoriatic arthritis, and other conditions can affect joints and may be accompanied by symptoms such as swelling and stiffness.

The specific cause and pattern of symptoms can differ between conditions, which is why persistent or unusual joint symptoms may require professional evaluation.

Crystal-Related Joint Conditions

Some types of crystals can build up inside a joint and cause pain and swelling. Gout, for example, is associated with urate crystals, while calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease involves another type of crystal.

These conditions can have specific patterns and may require medical assessment for appropriate identification.

Infections and Other Conditions

In some situations, joint symptoms can be associated with infection or other underlying health conditions. Septic arthritis, bone infections, and some viral infections are examples described in medical references.

Because these causes can require specific medical attention, symptoms such as significant swelling, warmth, fever, or severe unexplained joint pain should not be ignored.

Joint Pain Without Arthritis

Joint pain does not always mean arthritis. Injuries, repetitive movements, overuse, infections, crystal-related conditions, and problems affecting the tissues around a joint can also contribute to pain or discomfort. For this reason, the location, duration, severity, and accompanying symptoms can be important when determining the possible cause of joint pain.

Joint Pain and Stiffness

Joint pain and stiffness can occur together, particularly when a joint is affected by injury, overuse, or certain joint conditions. Stiffness may make normal movements more difficult and can occur alongside swelling, tenderness, or reduced mobility. The pattern and duration of stiffness can vary depending on the underlying cause.

Factors That May Be Associated With Joint Pain

Joint discomfort does not always have one simple cause. Several factors may be relevant, including:

• Age and age-related changes

• Previous joint injuries

• Repetitive physical activity

• Certain sports or occupations

• Body weight

• Physical activity patterns

• Existing joint conditions

• Genetics

• Movement and workload

• Changes in activity level

• Repeated stress on a particular joint

Joint pain can also be influenced by inflammation and changes in how pain signals are processed by the nervous system. Research published in Current Osteoporosis

Reports discusses the role of inflammatory mediators, growth factors, neurotransmitters, and sensory nerves in bone and joint pain (2). The study found that modulation of pain signals within the spinal cord and brain results in the development of chronic pain in bones and joints.   

This helps explain why people with apparently similar joint conditions may experience symptoms differently.

Common Symptoms Associated With Joint Problems

Joint pain can occur alongside other symptoms. These may include:

• Pain or discomfort around the joint

• Stiffness

• Swelling

• Tenderness

• Warmth or redness

• Difficulty moving the joint

• Changes in normal joint mobility

The combination of symptoms, their duration, and the joint involved can provide useful information when a healthcare professional is assessing the possible cause.

Which Joints Are Commonly Affected?

Joint symptoms can occur in many parts of the body.

Commonly discussed areas include:

Knee Joints

Knees experience regular mechanical demands during walking, standing, climbing stairs, and physical activities. The knee is also the most frequently affected joint in osteoarthritis.

Hip Joints

The hips support body weight and contribute to walking, sitting, standing, and other movements.

Shoulder Joints

Shoulders allow a wide range of movement and may be affected by repetitive overhead activities, injuries, or conditions involving surrounding tissues.

Hands and Wrists

Hand and wrist joints are involved in gripping, writing, typing, lifting, and many repetitive tasks.

Ankles and Feet

These joints are involved in standing, walking, running, and maintaining balance.

Massage Oils for Joint Care

Massage oils may be used during gentle massage around areas that feel stiff, sore, or uncomfortable. They may be used around the knees, shoulders, hips, elbows, wrists, and ankles as part of a personal care routine.

Benefits of Massage Oils

Using massage oil during a gentle massage may:

• Reduce friction during massage

• Make massage more comfortable

• Help relax muscles around the area

• Keep the skin moisturized

• Support a soothing self-care routine

Common Ingredients in Massage Oils

Massage oils can contain different plant-based oils and herbal ingredients. Some Ayurvedic massage formulations may include Gandhpoorna Oil, Maha Narayana Oil, Pudina Oil, Neelgiri Oil, Lavang Oil, Turpentine Oil, Maalkangani Oil, and Til Oil.

These ingredients are used in some traditional Ayurvedic massage formulations. The exact ingredients can vary between products, so the product label should always be checked for the current ingredient list and directions. 

One example is Life Aveda Artho-Aid Oil, an Ayurvedic massage oil that contains these ingredients and is intended for external massage and body care. 

Massage oils should not be presented as a treatment for the underlying cause of joint pain. Persistent or severe joint symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Everyday Considerations for Joint Wellness

General lifestyle habits can be relevant when thinking about joint health. Regular physical activity, appropriate movement, balanced nutrition, and maintaining a healthy body weight are commonly discussed in relation to musculoskeletal health.

WHO notes that regular physical activity and healthy eating are among the broader lifestyle considerations relevant to osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal health.

However, the appropriate level and type of activity can differ depending on a person's age, health status, existing conditions, and physical abilities.

When Should You Talk to a Healthcare Professional?

Joint pain may sometimes be temporary, but persistent, severe, or unexplained symptoms deserve attention.

Medical evaluation may be appropriate when joint symptoms are accompanied by:

• Significant swelling

• Warmth or redness

• Fever

• Severe or unexplained pain

• A recent serious injury

• Difficulty moving the joint

• Inability to put weight on an affected joint

• Symptoms that continue for several days or interfere with normal activities

MedlinePlus recommends contacting a healthcare provider for persistent joint pain or severe unexplained pain and swelling, particularly when other unusual symptoms are present.

Conclusion

Joint pain can have many possible causes, and understanding the symptoms and contributing factors can help people make informed decisions about their joint health. Persistent, severe, or unexplained symptoms should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

For everyday personal care, regular movement, healthy lifestyle habits, and massage may be part of a general wellness routine. The right approach can vary depending on the underlying cause of joint symptoms and individual health needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do joints hurt?

Joint pain can be associated with injuries, overuse, osteoarthritis, inflammatory conditions, crystal-related conditions, infections, and other factors.

Can overuse contribute to joint pain?

Yes. Repetitive movements and excessive use of a joint can affect surrounding soft tissues and may be associated with joint symptoms.

Which joints are commonly affected?

Knees, hips, hands, shoulders, elbows, wrists, ankles, and other joints can experience pain or stiffness.

Is joint pain always related to arthritis?

No. Joint pain can have many possible causes, including injuries, overuse, infections, and conditions other than arthritis.

What is joint massage oil?

Joint massage oil is an oil-based product intended for use during massage around areas such as joints and surrounding muscles. Product ingredients and directions vary by formulation.

When should joint pain be medically evaluated?

Persistent, severe, unexplained, or injury-related joint symptoms may require professional evaluation, especially when accompanied by swelling, fever, warmth, or difficulty moving the joint.

References

1.	World Health Organization. Osteoarthritis [Internet]. www.who.int. World Health Organization; 2023 [cited 2026 Aug 14]. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/osteoarthritis
2.	Havelin J, King T. Mechanisms underlying bone and joint pain. Current Osteoporosis Reports. 2018 Oct 29;16(6):763–71.