Joint Pain

Alternate Names : Arthralgia, Pain in the Joints

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Prevention is related to the cause of the joint pain. For example, practicing safer sex can prevent some joint pain resulting from sexually transmitted diseases. Avoiding injuries or certain medications can prevent joint pain from these causes. Many cases cannot be prevented.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

If joint pain is severe, it can limit the person's ability to perform basic activities. Other long-term effects are related to the cause. For example, a cancer affecting the bone may cause death. When the cause is injury or overuse, the joint pain may go away and have no long-term effects.

What are the risks to others?

Joint pain is not contagious. But if an infection, such as a sexually transmitted disease, is the cause, the infection may be contagious.