Understanding Your Joint Symptoms
Your symptoms tell an important story about your joint health. Use our comprehensive symptom guide to understand what you're experiencing and learn when to seek professional care.
Take Symptom AssessmentSeek immediate medical care if you experience sudden severe joint pain, significant swelling with fever, joint that looks deformed, or inability to move the joint. These may indicate a medical emergency.
Pain Symptoms
Different types of joint pain and what they may indicate
Hip Groin Pain
Hip pain that spreads to the groin often signals a problem inside the hip joint. Learn the common causes and when this symptom needs medical attention.
Knee Pain at Rest
Experiencing knee pain even when sitting or lying down? Learn what causes knee pain at rest and when it signals a more serious condition.
Knee Pain Climbing Stairs
Learn why your knee hurts when going up or down stairs. Discover the common causes of stair-related knee pain and find out when to see a doctor.
Pain After Activity
Does your joint pain flare up after exercise or physical activity? Learn why activity triggers pain and how to stay active without paying a painful price.
Pain After Rest
Do your joints hurt when you first get up? Learn why rest causes stiffness and pain, and discover ways to ease into movement more comfortably.
Shoulder Night Pain
Shoulder pain that disrupts sleep is often worse than daytime pain. Learn why shoulders hurt more at night and find strategies for better rest.
Shoulder Pain Reaching Overhead
Does reaching overhead cause shoulder pain? Learn what causes pain with overhead movements and when this common symptom needs professional attention.
Deep Joint Ache
A deep, constant ache in your joint is different from sharp pain. Learn what causes this persistent discomfort and when it requires medical attention.
Hip Pain When Sitting
Does your hip hurt after sitting for extended periods? Learn the common causes of sitting-related hip pain and practical strategies for relief.
Joint Pain with Weather Changes
Many people feel joint pain worsen with weather changes. Explore the science behind barometric pressure and joint pain, plus practical coping strategies.
Stiffness Symptoms
Joint stiffness patterns and their potential causes
Morning Joint Stiffness
Learn why joints feel stiff in the morning, what causes morning stiffness, and effective ways to get relief. Understand when morning stiffness signals a more serious condition.
Reduced Range of Motion
Understand why you can't bend or extend your joint as far as before. Learn what causes reduced range of motion and discover treatments that can help restore flexibility.
Difficulty Bending
Learn why bending your knee, hip, or other joints has become difficult. Understand the causes of bending limitations and discover treatments to restore flexibility.
Joint Tightness
Explore the causes of joint tightness, from muscle tension to arthritis. Learn effective strategies to loosen stiff, tight joints and when to seek medical evaluation.
Stiffness After Sitting
Discover why your joints feel stiff after sitting and how to manage this common symptom. Learn what causes gelling and when it may indicate osteoarthritis or other conditions.
Swelling Symptoms
Joint swelling, inflammation, and related signs
Fluid on the Knee
Learn about knee effusion (water on the knee), what causes fluid buildup, when it signals a serious problem, and treatment options from self-care to medical procedures.
Joint Swelling
Learn about joint swelling (edema), what causes it, when to seek medical help, and effective ways to reduce swelling at home. Evidence-based guidance for joint pain sufferers.
Joint Warmth
Discover why joints feel warm to the touch, what conditions cause joint warmth, warning signs of infection, and when to seek medical care for hot joints.
Visible Joint Enlargement
Understand why joints become visibly larger, from fluid buildup to bone changes. Learn which conditions cause joint enlargement and when to seek treatment.
Mobility Issues
Problems with movement, stability, and joint function
Difficulty Walking
Explore why joint conditions make walking difficult. Learn about causes of walking problems, when to seek help, and treatments to improve your mobility.
Knee Buckling
Understand why your knee suddenly gives out under weight. Learn about the causes of knee buckling, fall prevention strategies, and treatment options.
Joint Locking
Learn why joints can suddenly lock in position. Understand the causes of joint locking, when it signals a serious problem, and available treatment options.
Knee Giving Way
Learn why your knee feels unstable or like it might collapse. Discover causes of knee giving way, how it differs from buckling, and treatment options.
Limping
Understand why joint problems cause limping. Learn about antalgic gait, how limping affects your body, and treatment approaches to restore normal walking.
Sensory Symptoms
Sounds, sensations, and unusual feelings in joints
Joint Crepitus
Crepitus is the medical term for crackling, popping, or grinding sounds in joints. Learn what causes these sounds, when they are benign, and when they indicate joint problems.
Grinding Sensation
Learn about the grinding or grating feeling in joints called crepitus. Understand when a bone-on-bone sensation is normal versus when it indicates cartilage loss requiring treatment.
Knee Clicking and Popping
Understand why your knee clicks and pops during movement. Learn when joint sounds are harmless crepitus and when they may signal an underlying condition requiring medical attention.
Structural Changes
Visible changes to joint shape and alignment
Bone Spurs (Osteophytes)
Learn about bone spur symptoms, what causes osteophytes to form in joints, how they indicate arthritis progression, and when to seek medical evaluation including imaging.
Joint Deformity
Understand joint deformity symptoms, why joints change shape with advanced arthritis, the importance of X-rays and imaging, and treatment options to preserve function.
Leg Length Discrepancy
Learn about leg length discrepancy symptoms related to hip and knee arthritis, how unequal leg length affects your joints, and when imaging can identify the cause.
Not Sure What's Causing Your Symptoms?
Take our comprehensive symptom assessment to help identify possible causes and find appropriate treatment options.
Start Symptom Assessment