The most common cause of joint and muscle pain is a disease called Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Most of the patients suffering from SLE experience muscle and joint pains during course of the illness.

The pain is mainly caused by the inflammation of joints and muscles. Sometimes the symptoms resemble that of viral flu, as an acute pain in joints and muscles can make someone feel really sick. The symptoms at times may resemble those of arthritis, as the joints, which have an aching pain also, get swollen and become tender. In some patients the joint pain might not be so acute, but intense muscle inflammation may result in loss of strength.

Sometimes, joint and muscle pains precede SLE. In some extreme cases, a person may feel joint and muscle pain even at rest. Most of the patients suffering from muscle and joint pain are advised by doctors to have the right mix of rest and exercise. They have to be extremely careful while doing any activity, so that they do not put additional stress on already-affected muscles and joints.

Though muscle and joint pain can occur in any part of the body, hips, shoulders and knees are more prone to this ailment. Excess body weight adds to the woes of patients suffering from these pains.

However, SLE is not the only cause of muscle and joint pains. They could be caused by a combination of ailments, such as arthritis and muscle injury. So before one reaches a conclusion about the cause of joint and muscle pain, it is important to consult a doctor.

Muscle and joint pains can be cured when detected at an early stage. In some cases, though, a permanent cure may not be possible. In other cases the patient may have to undergo surgery to replace certain joints. Muscle and joint pain can seriously affect the activity level of any individual. So one should try to avoid it by doing regular exercises, eating a balanced diet and consulting a doctor whenever one feels such pain.