Pain at any joint in the body will make life difficult, although diseases affecting the smaller joints of the body can be equally painful and disturbing.
Osteoarthritis: It is a chronic degenerative disease which can affect any joint but leg pain occurs when it involves the hips, knees, and low back area. There is pain in the joints during and after movement such as walking, stiffness of the joints (especially on getting up in the morning or after a period of inactivity), and restriction of joint mobility.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder, commonly affecting the small joints of the hands and feet. It is an autoimmune disease where the lining of the joint is affected, causing painful swelling of the joints.
Gout: Gout is a painful condition caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints. The joint at the base of the big toe is most commonly affected, but the ankle and knee joint may be involved too.
Septic Arthritis: Septic arthritis is an infection in a joint where the infection has spread from some other part of the body. Bacterial infection is most common, normally affecting a single joint, and causing severe pain. The knee joint is usually affected, but the ankle or hip may be involved as well.
