Acute pain in multiple joints is most often due to inflammation, gout, or the beginning or flare up of a chronic joint disorder. Chronic pain in multiple joints is usually due to osteoarthritis or an inflammatory disorder (such as rheumatoid arthritis) or, in children, juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Some joint pain is common, some is more serious. Be mindful of any irritation and pay attention to the severity and length of time you feel pain. Talk to your doctor if your joint pain progresses to any of the above symptoms.