Differential Diagnosis for Joint Pain
The differential diagnosis for joint pain is extensive and can be categorized into several groups. Here's a breakdown of the possible causes:
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Osteoarthritis: This is the most common cause of 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 disease that causes inflammation and pain in the joints, often affecting multiple joints simultaneously.
- Gout: A form of arthritis caused by the accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints, leading to sudden and severe pain.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons, which can cause pain and stiffness in the affected joint.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion joints, leading to pain and swelling.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Septic Arthritis: A bacterial infection within the joint, which can lead to severe damage and disability if not promptly treated.
- Lyme Disease: A bacterial infection transmitted by ticks, which can cause joint pain and swelling, especially in the knees.
- Osteonecrosis: Death of bone tissue due to lack of blood supply, which can cause severe joint pain and collapse of the bone.
- Cancer (e.g., bone or soft tissue tumors): Although rare, cancer can cause joint pain and should not be missed.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Psoriatic Arthritis: A form of arthritis associated with psoriasis, characterized by joint pain, swelling, and skin lesions.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis: A type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, causing pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
- Hemochromatosis: A genetic disorder that leads to iron overload, which can cause joint pain and other systemic symptoms.
- Sarcoidosis: A condition characterized by the growth of granulomas (inflammatory cells) in various parts of the body, including the joints.
Each of these diagnoses has distinct clinical features and requires a thorough medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause of joint pain.