Joint Pain vs Muscle Pain: Know the Difference

Pain can make even simple daily activities feel difficult. But not all pain comes from the same part of the body. Sometimes the discomfort comes from a muscle, while at other times it may be coming from a joint.

Knowing the difference between joint pain and muscle pain can help you understand your symptoms better and decide when it may be time to seek professional advice.

What Is Joint Pain?

Joint pain is discomfort that occurs in or around a joint. Joints are the areas where two or more bones meet, such as the knees, shoulders, hips, elbows, wrists and ankles.

Joint pain may feel like an ache, stiffness, soreness, burning or throbbing sensation. Some people may also notice swelling, warmth or difficulty moving the affected joint. (Cleveland Clinic)

Common causes of joint pain include arthritis, injuries, gout, bursitis and inflammation around the joint.

Common Signs of Joint Pain

You may be experiencing joint pain if you notice:

• Pain located directly around a joint

• Stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity

• Swelling around the joint

• Warmth or tenderness

• Difficulty bending or straightening the joint

• Clicking, grinding or unusual sounds during movement

Joint pain can sometimes become more noticeable during physical activity, although the exact symptoms depend on the underlying cause. (Cleveland Clinic)

What Is Muscle Pain?

Muscle pain, also known as myalgia, affects the muscles that help your body move. It can occur in a small area or affect several parts of the body.

Muscle pain may feel like soreness, aching, cramping, stiffness, burning or a sharp sensation. It is commonly associated with overuse, physical activity, muscle strain, tension or minor injuries. (Cleveland Clinic)

Muscle soreness can also happen after trying a new exercise or doing more physical activity than your body is used to.

Common Signs of Muscle Pain

Muscle pain may involve:

• Soreness within the muscle

• Pain after exercise or physical activity

• Tenderness when the muscle is touched

• Muscle stiffness

• Cramping or tightness

• Pain that follows a strain or injury

Muscle pain caused by temporary strain or exercise often improves with rest and appropriate self care. (Cleveland Clinic)

Joint Pain vs Muscle Pain

Although both types of pain can feel similar, their location and symptoms can provide useful clues.

Where Do You Feel the Pain?

Joint pain is usually felt around a specific joint. For example, pain in the knee joint may make bending or walking uncomfortable.

Muscle pain is generally felt within the muscle itself. It may spread across a larger area of the muscle, especially after physical activity or strain.

How Does the Pain Feel?

Joint pain may feel stiff, achy, sore or sometimes like a grinding or burning sensation.

Muscle pain may feel like a deep ache, soreness, tightness, cramping or occasional sharp pain. (Cleveland Clinic)

What Happens During Movement?

Joint problems may cause stiffness, reduced movement or pain when the joint is used.

Muscle pain may become more noticeable when the affected muscle is stretched, contracted or used after an injury or period of overuse.

However, these symptoms can overlap. Pain alone cannot always identify exactly which tissue is responsible.

What Causes Joint and Muscle Pain?

Both joint pain and muscle pain can have several possible causes.

Common Causes of Joint Pain

Some common causes include:

• Arthritis

• Joint injuries

• Gout

• Bursitis

• Tendinitis

• Repeated stress on a joint

• Inflammation

Some joint conditions may also cause swelling, warmth and reduced range of movement. (Cleveland Clinic)

Common Causes of Muscle Pain

Muscle pain can be caused by:

• Exercise or overuse

• Muscle strain

• Minor injuries

• Physical tension

• Stress

• Infections

• Certain medical conditions

Muscle pain can also occur throughout the body rather than in one specific area. (Cleveland Clinic)

How Can You Tell Which One You Have?

Start by paying attention to where the pain begins.

If the discomfort feels concentrated around a joint and is accompanied by stiffness, swelling or difficulty moving that joint, it may be related to the joint.

If the discomfort feels deeper within a muscle and appeared after exercise, physical activity, strain or overuse, it may be muscle related.

Still, these signs are only general clues. Some conditions can affect muscles, joints, tendons and other tissues at the same time. A healthcare professional can help determine the actual cause when symptoms persist or are severe. (Cleveland Clinic)

Simple Ways to Support Recovery

For mild pain caused by everyday activity or minor strain, giving your body adequate rest can be helpful.

Depending on the cause, simple measures may include:

• Taking a temporary break from activities that worsen the pain

• Using cold therapy after a recent minor injury when appropriate

• Maintaining gentle movement as tolerated

• Following a balanced exercise routine

• Staying hydrated

• Using suitable topical pain relief products for temporary comfort

However, treatment should always depend on the cause of the pain.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Do not ignore pain that is severe, persistent or getting worse.

Consider speaking with a healthcare professional if your pain interferes with normal activities, does not improve with appropriate home care, or is associated with significant swelling, redness, warmth, fever or difficulty moving the affected area. (Cleveland Clinic)

Seek urgent medical attention when pain occurs with symptoms such as difficulty breathing, severe weakness, serious injury or other concerning symptoms. (Mayo Clinic)