Differential Diagnosis for Multiple Joint Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Osteoarthritis: This is the most common cause of multiple joint pain, especially in older adults. It is characterized by wear and tear of the joint cartilage, leading to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and pain in multiple joints, often symmetrically. It can also cause fatigue, fever, and morning stiffness.
- Fibromyalgia: A chronic condition characterized by widespread muscle pain, fatigue, and tender points. It can also cause sleep disturbances and cognitive impairment.
- Lupus: A systemic autoimmune disease that can cause joint pain, inflammation, and damage to various organs, including the skin, kidneys, and brain.
- Gout: A type of arthritis caused by the buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe pain, redness, and swelling.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Septic Arthritis: A bacterial infection of the joint that can cause severe pain, swelling, and fever. If left untreated, it can lead to joint destruction and permanent damage.
- Lyme Disease: A bacterial infection transmitted by ticks that can cause joint pain, fever, and a characteristic rash. If left untreated, it can lead to neurological and cardiac complications.
- Cancer: Certain types of cancer, such as multiple myeloma or lymphoma, can cause multiple joint pain due to bone metastases or paraneoplastic syndromes.
Rare Diagnoses
- Relapsing Polychondritis: A rare autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and destruction of cartilage in various parts of the body, including the joints.
- Sjögren's Syndrome: A rare autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and damage to the exocrine glands, including the joints.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: A type of arthritis that occurs in people with psoriasis, causing joint pain, inflammation, and skin lesions.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis: A type of arthritis that causes inflammation and fusion of the spine and other joints, leading to chronic pain and stiffness.