Ouch! The Most Common Culprits of Joint Pain – and When to See a Doctor

6/4/2026

Joint pain may be common, but it’s not normal – a very important distinction to make when it comes to relief from what’s hurting you.

“Pain in your joints can often mean you’re experiencing osteoarthritis, which happens when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears away over time,” says Steven Ward, D.O., an orthopedic surgeon with Northwest Bone & Joint. “But it can also point to an overuse injury – like a sprain, strain, or inflamed tendon.”

Usually, joint pain can be managed with simple remedies, including over-the-counter inflammatory medications and rest for the affected area. But if you have joint pain immediately after an injury – especially if you see or feel swelling, redness, heat, visible joint deformity, hear a popping sound, can’t bear weight on the joint or lose mobility – it’s time to seek medical attention. The same is true if the pain gets progressively worse, lasts longer than three days, or starts interfering with your quality of life.

“Joint pain can be a warning that something is wrong or that the way you’re using the joint needs to change,” says Dr. Ward. “It’s important to know what’s going on with your body, and how to start feeling better. In rare cases, this kind of pain can indicate an autoimmune condition, like inflammatory arthritis or gout, which need specialized treatment. It’s also possible that the pain is related to a bacterial or viral infection.”

Summer is here, with all its opportunities for more exercise and free outdoor time – and it’s important to enjoy this season safely! If you’re experiencing joint pain, or find you’re not able to do everything you’d like to do because of it, the orthopedic specialists at Northwest Healthcare are here to help. To learn more about our services, to take a joint pain quiz, or to make an appointment, visit https://www.healthiertucson.com/orthopedic-services.

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