Common Causes of Joint Pain Across Different Age Groups

 

Joint pain is one of the most common health complaints in the UK, affecting millions of people at various stages of life. From teenagers with sports injuries to older adults managing chronic conditions, joint discomfort can significantly impact mobility, independence, and quality of life. While joint pain is often associated with ageing, the reality is more nuanced: the causes, patterns, and solutions vary greatly depending on age, lifestyle, and underlying health factors.

Understanding why joint pain occurs at different life stages is the first step towards effective prevention, management, and treatment. This article explores the most common causes of joint pain across age groups, with a focus on factors particularly relevant to people living in the UK.

What Is Joint Pain?

Joint pain refers to discomfort, stiffness, inflammation, or reduced movement in any joint where two bones meet. Commonly affected joints include the knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, ankles, and spine.

Joint pain can be:

·         acute, such as after an injury

·         chronic, lasting weeks, months, or years

·         localised, affecting one joint

·         systemic, affecting multiple joints

The cause often depends on age, activity level, health history, and environmental factors.

Joint Pain in Children and Teenagers

Although less common than in adults, joint pain in children and adolescents does occur and should not be ignored.

So-called “growing pains” are common in children aged 3–12. These pains typically:

·         occur in the legs, knees, or ankles

·         appear in the evening or at night

·         are not associated with swelling or redness

They are generally harmless and resolve as the child grows.

In the UK, school sports, football clubs, dance classes, and gymnastics place increasing physical demands on young joints.

Common issues include:

·         sprains and strains

·         tendon irritation

·         overuse injuries such as Osgood-Schlatter disease

Poor warm-up routines and inadequate recovery time increase risk.

Joint hypermobility is relatively common in children and teenagers. While many are symptom-free, others experience:

·         joint pain

·         fatigue

·         frequent sprains

Hypermobility-related pain often improves with age but may require physiotherapy support.

 

Though rare, inflammatory conditions such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis can cause persistent joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Early diagnosis is essential to prevent long-term joint damage.

 

Joint Pain in Young Adults (Ages 20–35)

Young adulthood is often associated with peak physical health, yet joint pain remains common—often due to lifestyle factors.

Recreational sports, gym training, and endurance events can strain joints if technique, footwear, or recovery are inadequate.

Common problems include:

·         knee pain from running

·         shoulder injuries from weightlifting

·         ankle sprains

Sudden increases in activity are a frequent trigger.

 

In the UK, many young adults work long hours at desks. Poor posture contributes to:

·         neck and shoulder pain

·         wrist and elbow strain

·         lower back discomfort

Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) are increasingly common.

 

Old injuries from adolescence may resurface in early adulthood, particularly if rehabilitation was incomplete.

 

Some inflammatory joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, may first present in young adulthood. Symptoms often include:

·         morning stiffness

·         symmetrical joint pain

·         fatigue

Early medical assessment is crucial.

 

Joint Pain in Midlife (Ages 35–55)

Midlife is a turning point where wear-and-tear, hormonal changes, and lifestyle pressures begin to affect joint health more noticeably.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of joint pain in the UK. While often associated with older age, early signs can appear in midlife.

Risk factors include:

·         previous joint injuries

·         repetitive strain

·         excess body weight

Knees, hips, hands, and spine are commonly affected.

 

Weight gain in midlife places additional stress on weight-bearing joints. Even modest increases can significantly affect:

·         knees

·         hips

·         lower back

This mechanical load accelerates joint wear.

 

Hormonal shifts—particularly during perimenopause—can affect joint health. Many women report:

·         joint stiffness

·         aching hands or knees

·         increased inflammation

Reduced oestrogen may play a role.

Busy work and family lives often reduce time for movement. Inactivity weakens muscles that support joints, increasing pain and instability.

 

Joint Pain in Older Adults (Ages 55+)

Joint pain becomes more prevalent with age, but it is not an inevitable part of ageing. Understanding the causes allows for better management.

 

In older adults, osteoarthritis is the leading cause of chronic joint pain in the UK.

Symptoms include:

·         stiffness after rest

·         pain during or after movement

·         reduced range of motion

While cartilage wear is natural over time, lifestyle factors influence severity.

 

Age-related muscle loss reduces joint stability and increases strain. Weak muscles fail to absorb shock, transferring stress to joints.

 

Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica are more common in older age.

These conditions cause:

·         widespread pain

·         morning stiffness lasting over an hour

·         fatigue and systemic symptoms

Prompt diagnosis improves outcomes.

 

Osteoporosis does not cause joint pain directly but increases fracture risk, which can lead to secondary joint pain and mobility loss.

Earlier injuries or surgeries often manifest as chronic pain later in life, especially if arthritis develops in the affected joint.

 

Joint Pain Across All Ages: Shared Causes

Some causes of joint pain affect people at any age.

Falls, accidents, and sports injuries can damage joints regardless of age. Even minor injuries can lead to long-term issues if not properly managed.

 

Inflammation plays a central role in many joint conditions. Diet, stress, sleep, and overall health influence inflammatory processes.

 

Joint infections are rare but serious and can occur at any age. Symptoms include:

·         severe pain

·         swelling

·         fever

Urgent medical care is required.

 

Smoking, excessive alcohol intake, poor nutrition, and chronic stress negatively affect joint health by impairing circulation and tissue repair.

 

The Impact of UK Lifestyle and Climate

The UK’s climate and lifestyle patterns also influence joint pain.

Many people report worsening joint pain during cold or damp weather. While research is mixed, changes in barometric pressure may affect joint tissues.

 

Long commuting times, desk-based work, and screen use contribute to stiffness and reduced joint mobility.

 

Improper footwear—particularly unsupportive shoes—can affect joint alignment and contribute to knee, hip, and back pain.

 

When Joint Pain Signals a Serious Condition

Not all joint pain is benign. Seek medical advice if pain is:

·         persistent and worsening

·         associated with swelling, redness, or warmth

·         accompanied by fever or unexplained weight loss

·         interfering with daily activities

Early assessment prevents complications.

 

Managing Joint Pain at Any Age

While causes vary, certain strategies benefit joint health across the lifespan.

Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, cycling, and yoga maintain joint mobility and muscle strength.

 

Strong muscles protect joints by absorbing load. Age-appropriate resistance training is beneficial at every stage of life.

 

Maintaining a healthy weight reduces strain on joints and slows osteoarthritis progression.

 

A diet rich in:

·         fruits and vegetables

·         oily fish

·         whole grains

·         healthy fats

supports joint health and reduces inflammation.

 

Proper workstation setup and posture reduce unnecessary joint strain.

 

Adequate sleep and recovery time are essential for tissue repair.

 

Pain Management Options in the UK

Joint pain management may include:

·         physiotherapy

·         pain relief medication

·         lifestyle changes

·         occupational therapy

Treatment should be personalised and reviewed regularly.

 

Mental Health and Joint Pain

Chronic pain affects mental wellbeing, and stress can worsen pain perception. Addressing emotional health improves overall pain management.

 

Joint Pain Is Not “Just Ageing”

A common myth is that joint pain is unavoidable with age. While changes occur over time, pain is not inevitable.

Proactive care, movement, and early intervention make a significant difference.

 

Supporting Joint Health Through the Life Course

Joint health is cumulative. Choices made in youth affect comfort in later life.

Key principles include:

·         staying active

·         managing injuries properly

·         maintaining muscle strength

·         supporting overall health

 

Conclusion: Understanding Joint Pain to Protect Long-Term Mobility

Joint pain affects people across all age groups in the UK, but its causes and solutions vary widely.Sanoflex Forte  From growth-related discomfort in children to osteoarthritis in older adults, understanding the underlying factors allows for more effective management and prevention.

Rather than accepting joint pain as inevitable, a life-course approach—focused on movement, strength, and healthy habits—can preserve mobility, independence, and quality of life well into older age.https://www.sano-flex.org.uk/