[1][2] Specifically, arthralgia is a symptom of injury, infection, illness (in particular arthritis), or an allergic reaction to medication.
[6] Diagnosis involves interviewing the patient and performing physical exams.
For example, the patient may be asked about dry mouth, light sensitivity, rashes or a history of seizures.
[2][14] Answering yes or no to any of these questions limits the number of possible causes and guides the physician toward the appropriate exams and lab tests.
The treatments may include joint replacement surgery for severely damaged joints, immunosuppressants for immune system dysfunction, antibiotics when an infection is the cause, and discontinuing medication when an allergic reaction is the cause.