Joint pain isn’t just about getting older. For millions of Americans, it starts earlier than expected and becomes a daily challenge that slowly changes the way they live. But what actually causes joint pain?
The most common culprit is osteoarthritis, a condition where the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. But inflammation isn’t always visible. In fact, low-grade, chronic inflammation caused by diet, stress, or hormonal imbalance can silently erode joint health for years before symptoms appear.
Injuries—especially untreated ones—are another hidden trigger. A sprained knee in your twenties can come back to haunt you in your forties. And if you have a job that requires repetitive movements or long hours of sitting, you may unknowingly accelerate joint degeneration.
What’s worse: many sufferers don’t realize that gut health, blood sugar levels, and even poor sleep can make joint inflammation worse. Understanding the root cause is the first step in taking control—not just masking the pain.