IntroductionBites and stings are an unfortunate reality of spending time outdoors or interacting with animals. From insect bites to snake envenomation, each encounter poses unique challenges…
2. Degenerative Joint Pain (Osteoarthritis)Degenerative joint pain primarily refers to Osteoarthritis (OA) – the “wear-and-tear” arthritis where cartilage breaks down over time, leading to chronic pain,…
3. Mechanical Joint Pain (Injury-Related)Mechanical joint pain is caused by structural or traumatic issues rather than disease. Examples include meniscus tears, ligament sprains or tears, cartilage…
4. Infectious (Septic) Joint PainInfectious arthritis occurs when a joint is invaded by a micro-organism. Examples include Septic arthritis (usually bacterial, often Staphylococcal, causing a red,…
5. Metabolic Joint Pain (Gout and Pseudogout)Metabolic joint pain is caused by deposition of crystals in joints due to metabolic disorders. Gout is the prototype –…
6. Referred Joint PainReferred pain is joint pain that is actually originating elsewhere (another organ or structure), not from pathology in the joint itself. Examples: Hip…
7. Neuropathic Joint Pain (Neuropathy-Related)Neuropathic joint pain refers to pain in or around a joint arising from nerve damage or neurologic dysfunction, rather than from the…
8. Autoimmune/Connective Tissue Disorders (Lupus, Sjögren’s, Scleroderma)Autoimmune connective tissue diseases often involve joints along with other organs: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) can cause arthritis, rashes, kidney…
Past injuries to joints can lead to chronic pain years later. Old fractures, torn ligaments, or dislocations often result in arthritis or persistent discomfort in the…
10. Hemarthrosis (Bleeding Into the Joint)Hemarthrosis is bleeding into a joint space. It can happen in Hemophilia (even minor trauma causes a big bleed in joints,…