A joint is the part of the body where two or more bones meet to allow movement. Every bone in the body – except for the hyoid bone in the throat – meets up with at least one other bone at a joint. The shape of a joint depends on its function. 

It is healthy for you to be active and move your joints. If you do not move a joint regularly, the surrounding muscles weaken and/or become tight. The joint can stiffen or even freeze. When you do try to move, the joints and muscles hurt because they have been still for so long. Many things affect how your joints and muscles feel. Pain may be caused by swelling, joint damage, muscle tightness, or spasm. Muscles hurt after doing exercise or activities you aren't used to; sometimes when the joint is damaged, simple activities stress the joint.

Arthritis can make it hard to do the movements you rely on every day for work or taking care of your family.

Joint pain is any type of discomfort, aches, soreness, or inflammation in the joints. These are the body areas where the bones connect, such as shoulders, hips, elbows, wrists, or knees. The pain may arise in the cartilage, bone, ligaments, tendons, or muscles of the joints.

Joint pain can be acute or chronic and may be caused by various factors, including sprains, tendonitis, arthritis, and arthralgia.