The study I cited in my previous post contains an explanation as to how/why it can cause joint pain because as fructose breaks down it creates uric acid, citing a number of studies.
Uric acid (which forms crystals) can in fact cause joint pain beyond the traditionally recognized gout, which most commonly attacks toe joints.

You also said "... I have seen that fructose is the big problem with overconsumption because it is found in so many prepared foods and drinks. In turn, it causes metabolic syndrome and eventually diabetes, although that's usually years down the road..."

Unfortunately, it doesn't take as many years as we once thought. Metabolic syndrome and Type II diabetes are now seen way too often in young teens and even preteens. Studies are already underway, but it has been linked to excessive fructose consumption since birth. 15 years ago, high fructose corn syrup was still a common ingredient in baby formulas. Then add fruit juices, sweetened cereals, bread, prepared snack foods...

I cringe when I look into many of the grocery carts in my local store. We have food allergies, hypertension, heart disease and diabetes in our family, and have been avid label readers for over 50 years. At least 75% of our cart is raw or minimally processed foods.