Joint Pain: A Comprehensive Overview
Joint pain refers to discomfort, aches, and soreness in any of the body's joints. Joints are points where two or more bones meet, such as in the knees, hips, shoulders, and fingers.
What causes joint pain?
- Arthritis: Inflammation of the joints from conditions like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis often lead to joint stiffness and pain. Arthritis breaks down the cartilage in joints over time.
- Injuries and overuse: Sprains, strains, dislocations, fractures, and overworking joints during certain sports and activities can harm joints and cause pain.
- Infection: Viruses and bacteria can infect joints and the fluid inside (synovial fluid), resulting in swelling, redness and joint pain.
- Chronic inflammation: Autoimmune disorders like lupus cause the immune system to attack healthy tissue, creating inflammation that damages joints.
- Age: As people get older, joint cartilage breaks down, resulting in degenerative joint conditions that cause chronic pain.
What are the most common sites for joint pain?
The knees, hips, back, hands, shoulders and neck are most susceptible to joint pain issues and degenerative joint diseases like osteoarthritis as they get the most use and bear the most weight.
What are the main symptoms of joint pain?
- Sore, achy feeling made worse by movement
- Stiffness after inactivity or sleeping
- Swelling around joints
- Redness around joints
- Decreased range of motion
- Grating or cracking sound with joint movement
How is joint pain diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose joint pain through:
- Physical examination of joints
- Review of medical history
- Imaging tests like x-rays, MRIs
- Blood tests checking for inflammatory markers
How is joint pain treated?
- Pain medications like NSAIDs and acetaminophen
- Hot and cold therapy
- Splinting or taping joints
- Physical therapy
- Surgery like joint repair or replacement
- Steroid injections into joints
The best treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of the joint pain. Early treatment is key to prevent permanent joint damage. Consulting a specialist at Harmonize Wellness Clinic can help diagnose the exact cause and guide appropriate treatment.