Etymed
arthralgia
Definition
Pain in a joint
Clinical context
A 28-year-old woman presents to the emergency department with complaints of joint pain that has been progressively worsening over the past week. She describes the pain as sharp and achy, located primarily in her knees, wrists, and fingers. On examination, there is no visible swelling or erythema, but she experiences pain with range of motion in all affected joints. The patient denies any recent trauma or fever, and her vital signs are stable.
Mnemonic
A-R-T-H-R-A-L-G-I-A - 'Aching, Range, Tenderness, Hyperemia, Arthritis, Ligament, Inflammation, Ganglia' all cause joint pain