What is arthralgia?

Arthralgia describes joint stiffness. Among its many causes are overuse, sprains, injury, gout, tendonitis and a number of infectious diseases, including rheumatic fever and chickenpox.

Symptoms

Symptoms can include:

• Back pain
• Loss of spine flexibility
• Inflammation of the eyes, lungs and heart valves
• Swelling and stiffness of the spine and sacroiliac joints

Diagnosis

Diagnosis requires careful clinical evaluation.

Treatment

For non-arthritis joint pain, rest and exercise can help, as can warm baths, massage and stretching exercises. On the advice of a physician, anti-inflammatory medications may help relieve pain and swelling.