Causes of Joint Pain

Aching joints, especially in young women, is a symptom of rubella, a contagious viral infection also known as German measles. Joint pain and inflammation, especially in knees, elbows, ankles and wrists, are two symptoms of rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop following an infection caused by the Streptococcus bacteria, such as strep throat. Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disorder that can affect the skin, joints, kidneys and other organs in the body. Though the symptoms vary among individuals, almost all people with lupus suffer with joint pain and swelling. The most commonly affected joints include the fingers, hands, wrists and knees.