The Musculoskeletal System
Lesson 1: Disease and Disorders of the Musculoskeletal System
Section II: Joint Pain
1-4
1-4. MONARTICULAR PAIN
Monarticular pain is pain that occurs in one joint. Causes of monarticular pain include:
a. Mechanical Cause. A direct blow to the joint will cause pain. Also, injuries to other body parts that are close to the joint may cause pain in the joint.
b. Osteoarthritis. This is the most common form of arthritis and is a deterioration of the joint cartilage and the formation of new bone at the margins and subchondral areas of the joints. Joint pain is the most common symptom of this condition.
c. Tumors. A tumor, an overgrowth of tissue, can occur at a joint. The tumor may be benign or malignant, causing pain in either case.
d. Pyogenic Cause. Pyogenic refers to a pus-forming infection. It can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (ongoing but milder). In either case, if this occurs at a joint, there will be pain.
e. Metabolic Cause. Metabolism refers to the chemical processes taking place in the body's living tissues, processes needed to maintain life. Increased production of uric acid and calcium can result in joint pain.
f. Avascular Necrosis Cause. This refers to the death of tissue due to poor circulation, this tissue having no blood vessels
g. Neuropathic Cause. Joint pain can be associated with nervous system disease.
