Joint pain: Arthritis, inflammation, or a hidden trigger?

For years, I struggled with painful joints, ganglions, and tendonitis. In my twenties, I assumed this was just bad luck – perhaps I was pushing myself too hard or had inherited a predisposition to joint issues.

The discomfort wasn’t just a minor inconvenience; it affected my ability to exercise, type for long periods, and even do simple everyday movements. Traditional medicine pointed towards inflammation, possibly early arthritis, but nothing seemed to explain why my body was reacting this way.

It wasn’t until I started investigating my gut health that the pieces of the puzzle began to fit together. Through my work as a nutritionist, I now see many clients in the same situation – dealing with joint pain with no clear diagnosis, despite normal inflammatory markers or inconclusive imaging. The reality is that joint pain isn’t always just arthritis. There are often overlooked triggers that can drive inflammation, pain, and tissue damage.

Beyond arthritis: The hidden causes of joint pain

When we hear “joint pain,” we often think of arthritis – either osteoarthritis (wear-and-tear) or rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune-driven inflammation). But what if the source of your pain wasn’t in your joints at all? Here are some commonly overlooked contributors:

1. Candida overgrowth and gut dysbiosis

Candida, a type of yeast naturally present in the body, can become pathogenic when it overgrows due to gut imbalances, frequent antibiotic use, or a diet high in sugar and refined carbohydrates. Systemic candida overgrowth is known to trigger inflammation and can contribute to joint pain.

Several clients have reported worsening joint symptoms alongside recurring fungal infections, skin rashes, and digestive distress. Addressing candida through diet and targeted antifungal support has, in many cases, led to a noticeable reduction in their joint stiffness and discomfort.

2. Bacterial translocation from the gut

Our gut lining is designed to act as a barrier, preventing bacteria and toxins from entering the bloodstream. However, when the gut becomes compromised – due to stress, processed foods, infections, or chronic inflammation – harmful bacteria can “leak” into circulation, triggering an immune response.

This bacterial translocation can fuel systemic inflammation, leading to symptoms that extend far beyond digestion, including joint pain, fatigue, and brain fog. I’ve seen this pattern frequently in clients with autoimmune conditions, where working on gut health dramatically improves their symptoms.

3. Oxalates and joint pain

Oxalates are naturally occurring compounds found in many healthy foods, including spinach, almonds, and sweet potatoes. In individuals with poor gut health, high oxalate levels can contribute to joint pain, kidney stones, and even tendon issues.

I experienced this firsthand – when I was consuming large amounts of almond milk and spinach-based smoothies, my joint pain worsened. Reducing high-oxalate foods and improving my gut function helped immensely. I now work with clients who have similar sensitivities, often unknowingly exacerbating their joint issues with oxalate-rich healthy foods.

4. Gum disease and citrullination

Gum disease is an often-overlooked trigger for systemic inflammation, particularly in rheumatoid arthritis. The oral bacteria Porphyromonas gingivalis is linked to a process called citrullination, which can lead to an immune attack on joint tissues.

For those with ongoing joint pain, addressing gum health – through regular dental care, improving oral microbiome balance, and lowering sugar intake – can be a game-changer. In fact, some of my clients have seen their joint pain significantly improve simply by treating hidden gum infections.

My turning point: Healing from the inside out

Looking back, I realise that my body was trying to tell me something. The ganglions, tendonitis, and joint pain weren’t just random occurrences; they were symptoms of deeper imbalances. But at the time, I didn’t see the pattern. 

No doctor mentioned gut health, inflammation, or nutrient imbalances as possible drivers of my symptoms. It wasn’t until I addressed these factors that I finally saw lasting improvement. 

One of the biggest game-changers was removing inflammatory foods, particularly gluten. For years, I had no idea it was contributing to my symptoms. I wasn’t experiencing obvious digestive issues, so I assumed it couldn’t be affecting me. But after cutting it out, the stiffness in my joints eased and my energy levels improved dramatically. I’ve seen the same in many of my clients – when they eliminate gluten and other inflammatory foods, their persistent joint pain often disappears.

At the same time, I worked on repairing my gut. Years of stress, antibiotics, and an imbalanced diet had created the perfect storm for bacterial overgrowth and candida, both of which can drive systemic inflammation. I focused on restoring my microbiome with probiotics, stress management techniques, and gut-healing nutrients like collagen and bone broth. I also used antimicrobial herbs to target unwanted bacteria and yeast, which I now regularly do with clients who show signs of gut-related inflammation. Addressing my gut health not only improved my digestion but also had a profound effect on my joint pain and tendon issues.

Another overlooked factor was oxalates. I used to consume a lot of almond-based foods, spinach, and sweet potatoes, thinking I was making healthy choices. But for some people, excess oxalates can contribute to joint pain and tissue irritation. When I adjusted my diet and focused on anti-inflammatory omega-3s from fish and walnuts instead, the nagging aches I had come to expect as “normal” disappeared.

One final piece of the puzzle was oral health. I had mild gum issues for years but never connected them to my joints. Research now shows that oral bacteria – particularly from gum disease – can trigger an immune response that worsens joint pain, especially in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. I started oil pulling with coconut oil, improved my flossing routine, and focused on gum-supporting nutrients like vitamin C and CoQ10. It made a bigger difference than I expected.

Through this journey, I’ve learned that joint pain is rarely just about the joints. For many people, the root cause lies in chronic inflammation, gut imbalances, and overlooked triggers like oxalates or oral bacteria. It took me years to put these pieces together, but with nutritional support, you can fast-track this process. The link between gut health and inflammation is undeniable, and once we address it, symptoms that have lingered for years can start to fade.

If you’re dealing with stubborn joint pain and haven’t found lasting relief, it may be worth exploring additional factors beyond the joints themselves. While conventional treatments play an important role, addressing underlying triggers – like gut health, inflammation, and nutrient imbalances – can be a powerful complement to symptom management. Healing isn’t just about reducing pain; it’s about understanding what’s truly driving it.