Joint Pain/Swelling/Stiffness

What Causes Joint Pain?

Joint pain can have various causes, ranging in severity from 'minor' to 'generally fatal'.  Finding the true cause means ruling out or confirming each possibility – in other words, diagnosis.

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Diagnosis is usually a complex process due to the sheer number of possible causes and related symptoms.  In order to diagnose joint pain, we could:

  • Research the topic
  • Find a doctor with the time
  • Use a diagnostic computer system.
The process is the same, whichever method is used.

Step 1: List all Possible Causes

We begin by identifying the disease conditions which have "joint pain" as a symptom.  Here are eight of many possibilities (more below):
  • High Histamine
  • Aspartame/Neotame Side-Effects
  • Dehydration
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Chronic Fatigue-Fibromyalgia
  • Poor Musculoskeletal Health
  • Low Testosterone

Step 2: Build a Symptom Checklist

We then identify all possible symptoms and risk factors of each possible cause, and check the ones that apply:
hot flashes between period
variable duration morning stiffness
swollen axillary nodes
severe vision disturbances
likely history of stress fractures
chronic fatigue in family members
deep chest pain
an average-stress lifestyle
loss of height
constant thirst
low fat/oil intake
excess saliva in mouth
... and more than 120 others

Step 3: Rule Out or Confirm each Possible Cause

A differential diagnosis of your symptoms and risk factors finds the likely cause of joint pain:
Cause Probability Status
Chronic Fatigue-Fibromyalgia 93% Confirm
Aspartame/Neotame Side-Effects 30% Unlikely
Low Testosterone 12% Unlikely
Dehydration 2% Ruled out
Poor Musculoskeletal Health 2% Ruled out
Osteoarthritis 0% Ruled out
High Histamine 0% Ruled out
Sarcoidosis 0% Ruled out
* This is a simple example to illustrate the process

Arriving at a Correct Diagnosis

The Analyst™ is our online diagnosis tool that learns all about you through a straightforward process of multi-level questioning, providing diagnosis at the end.

If you indicate joint problems, The Analyst™ will ask further questions including this one:
Do you have pain, stiffness or swelling in any of your joints that is not associated with a past injury or abuse?
Possible responses:
→ No / don't know
→ Minor, in one or two joints
→ Minor in several joints, or moderate in one or two
→ Major in one or two joints, or moderate in several
→ Major, in several joints
Based on your response to this question, which may indicate minor joint pain/swelling/stiffness, joint pain/swelling/stiffness or major joint pain/swelling/stiffness, The Analyst™ will consider possibilities such as:
Aspartame/Neotame Side-Effects

Arthritic symptoms are regularly reported as a result of consuming aspartame.

Dehydration

Joint cartilage is composed 70%-80% of water, a lack of which will lead to increased friction, degeneration and damage.  This in turn can manifest as joint pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Environmental Illness / MCS

Joint pain is a possible symptom of environmental illness.

Lupus, SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)

Most patients with SLE have musculoskeletal symptoms.  The typical clinical manifestations are arthralgia, reported by 95% of patients, and arthritis (swollen joints) by 90%.  The joints most commonly involved are the index finger, wrist and knees.  Lupus is rarely accompanied by actual joint erosion.

Phosphorus Deficiency

If you constantly feel stiff, you may be suffering from phosphorus deficiency.  Phosphorus plays an important role in developing and maintaining not only healthy bones and teeth, but also joints.

Poor Musculoskeletal Health

Musculoskeletal health status is based upon several factors, one of which includes fully functioning, healthy joints.

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Joint pain is one possible symptom of Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Sarcoidosis

Chronic arthritis (swollen and painful joints) could indicate sarcoidosis.

Concerned or curious about your health?  Try The Analyst™
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