Joint pain and osteoarthritis: what it is and when to see a doctor

Joint pain can come from cartilage wear (osteoarthritis), inflammation (arthritis), injuries or overuse. Identifying the cause is the first step in choosing the right management.

Educational information prepared by Dr. Belinda Martínez, physician and surgeon. Last updated: October 3, 2026. It does not replace an assessment by a doctor.

What is a joint and what can go wrong?

A joint is where two or more bones meet. Their ends are covered by cartilage, a smooth tissue that cushions and allows friction-free movement. Around it there is a capsule with synovial fluid, ligaments that provide stability and tendons that connect muscles to bone.

Pain appears when any of these structures wears down, becomes inflamed or is injured. That is why the same symptom, for example knee pain, can have very different causes.

Most common causes

Osteoarthritis: progressive cartilage wear, common with age, excess weight or previous injuries.
Arthritis: joint inflammation from causes such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout or infections.
Injuries: meniscus or ligament tears, sprains, fractures.
Tendinitis and bursitis: inflammation of tendons or of the sacs that cushion movement.
Overuse or poor mechanics: intense sport, sustained postures, muscle weakness.

How it is diagnosed

The assessment starts with the medical history (when the pain started, what makes it worse, whether there was a blow) and a physical exam. Depending on the case, X-rays, ultrasound or MRI are ordered, plus lab tests when an inflammatory or metabolic cause is suspected.

Images do not always match the symptoms: some people have visible wear on an X-ray and little pain, and vice versa. That is why they are interpreted together with the exam.

Management options: an overview

Management depends on the cause, the intensity of the pain and the degree of limitation. In general terms it can include:

Basic measures: weight control, adapted physical activity and muscle strengthening.
Physical therapy and rehabilitation.
Medications prescribed by a doctor for pain or inflammation.
Injections in selected cases.
Surgery when there are mechanical injuries or advanced wear that do not respond to other measures.

There are also biological therapies, such as platelet-rich plasma or stem cells, whose use and level of evidence vary by condition. A doctor should assess whether they make sense in each case.

Guides by joint

Coming soon: hip, shoulder, elbow, foot and ankle, and spine.

When to see a doctor

Seek medical care soon if you have any of these signs:

Sudden, severe pain after a blow or fall.
A red, hot and swollen joint, especially with fever.
Inability to bear weight on the leg or to move the joint.
Visible deformity.

Frequently asked questions

Is joint pain always osteoarthritis?

No. Osteoarthritis is a common cause, but pain can also come from injuries, tendinitis, bursitis or inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. That is why an assessment is worthwhile before assuming the cause.

At what age does osteoarthritis start?

Wear-related changes can start from age 40 or 50, but they can also appear earlier after injuries, due to excess weight or family predisposition. Not everyone with changes on imaging has symptoms.

Which doctor treats joint pain?

It depends on the case: general practitioner, orthopedic surgeon, rheumatologist, pain medicine or rehabilitation physician. The doctor who assesses you will tell you whether you need another specialist.

Book your free assessment

Dr. Belinda Martínez reviews your case at her office in Guadalajara. The assessment is free of charge and does not commit you to any treatment.

Book a free assessment

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This content is informational and educational; it is not a diagnosis or a treatment recommendation. If you have any symptoms, consult a health professional.