Joint pain is often seen as a problem that afflicts older adults, and many people assume joint pain is just a natural effect of aging. However, this assumption can make people in their twenties anxious if they experience joint pain. After all, aren’t they awfully young to be dealing with age-related joint issues?
The truth is that joint issues can affect younger adults for a variety of reasons that have nothing to do with aging. Whether it’s a nagging ache or sudden discomfort, if you’ve been surprised by stiffness, swelling, or pain in your joints, you’re not alone. The good news is that there’s likely a medical explanation for what you’re going through.
Common Causes of Joint Pain in Younger Patients
Although joint pain in your twenties can feel unusual, several underlying conditions may explain it. Some causes are temporary and activity-related, while others involve longer-term medical issues. When you understand what might be behind your symptoms, you can more easily take the next step toward getting the relief you need:
- Overuse Injuries – Joint pain in younger adults often stems from overuse injuries, especially in those who are physically active or work in roles requiring repetitive motion. Activities like long-distance running, weightlifting, or typing for hours each day can strain tendons, muscles, and joint structures. This stress builds over time and can lead to conditions like tendinitis or bursitis. Symptoms typically develop gradually and may include swelling, aching pain that worsens with movement, stiffness after rest, and tenderness directly over the affected joint.
- Inflammatory Conditions – Certain autoimmune diseases can cause joint inflammation, even in people who are in their twenties and otherwise healthy. Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and psoriatic arthritis are all conditions where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, including joints. Unlike overuse injuries, these conditions often cause pain in multiple joints at once, usually on both sides of the body. Morning stiffness lasting more than an hour, visible swelling, fatigue, and joint warmth are all signs that inflammation, rather than mechanical strain, may be to blame.
- Hypermobility Issues – Some young adults experience joint pain due to hypermobility, where joints move beyond their typical range. While this flexibility might seem advantageous, it can sometimes put excessive strain on surrounding tissues. People with hypermobility often deal with joint instability, frequent sprains, and pain after normal daily activity. More complex cases involving joint hypermobility syndrome or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome may also cause individuals to experience fatigue, muscle soreness, or joint dislocations without any major trauma.
- Post-Injury Arthritis – Joint trauma from a past injury can sometimes lead to arthritis years later. Even if a fracture, ligament tear, or dislocation seemed to heal, long-term damage to the joint surface or supporting structures can result in ongoing inflammation and cartilage breakdown. This is known as post-traumatic arthritis. It often develops in weight-bearing joints like the knees or ankles and may cause chronic stiffness, deep aching pain, swelling after activity, and a grinding or catching sensation when moving the joint. Symptoms often worsen gradually.
When Should You Seek a Medical Evaluation?
Occasional joint soreness after intense activity isn’t always a cause for concern, but if you’re experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms, don’t ignore them. If joint pain lasts more than a few weeks, interferes with your daily routine, or is accompanied by swelling, redness, stiffness, or warmth, it’s time to see a doctor. Sudden joint pain without a clear cause may also warrant a medical evaluation.
Getting a prompt diagnosis can help prevent long-term damage, especially if the pain stems from an underlying inflammatory or autoimmune condition. A medical evaluation can clarify what’s going on and help you explore effective, individualized treatment options.
Contact Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine to Discuss Your Treatment Options
If you’ve been experiencing joint pain, don’t chalk it up to aging or assume that, because you’re on the younger side, your body will heal itself. Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine works with local young adults dealing with joint pain arising from a wide range of causes. Let us diagnose the problem and guide you through a course of treatment so you can heal and move forward with your life. Reach out to us today to schedule an appointment.