Joint Pain
Joint pain refers to discomfort, aches, or soreness in any of the body's joints. Joints are places where two or more bones meet, such as your elbow or knee.
There are many potential causes behind joint pain:
- Arthritis: This is inflammation in a joint that causes stiffness, swelling, and pain. The two most common types that affect joints are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Injuries: Sprains, strains, broken bones, and dislocations can all lead to acute or chronic joint pain.
- Autoimmune diseases: Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus involve your immune system attacking healthy tissue, which can manifest as painful joints.
- Infection: Joint infections are most commonly caused by bacteria, but fungi and viruses could also be behind swelling and joint discomfort.
- Mechanical issues: Problems with how your joints align or move, like patellofemoral pain syndrome in the knee or impingement syndrome in the shoulder, can cause achey joints.
- Bone diseases: Medical conditions that affect bone strength, like osteoporosis and Paget's disease of bone, can make joints more prone to pain.
When should you see a doctor about joint pain? Seek medical care if:
- Pain came on suddenly or severely limits movement
- Swelling, redness, warmth, or a fever develops
- Pain persists beyond a few days
- Other concerning symptoms arise like numbness or weakness
To evaluate joint pain, a doctor will review medical history, conduct a physical exam of the joints, and order imaging tests like x-rays or MRIs if needed. Blood tests can also help rule out certain arthritic conditions.
How is joint pain treated? Treatment depends on the underlying cause but may involve:
- Pain relievers like NSAIDs to alleviate swelling and discomfort
- Hot and cold therapies to stimulate blood flow and calm inflammation
- Assistive devices like knee braces or canes to improve mobility
- For arthritis - steroid injections, medications that slow disease progression, or even surgery
The takeaway: Joint pain has many potential causes. See a doctor promptly for an evaluation if symptoms are severe or come on suddenly. Once the underlying issue is identified, treatment can focus on relieving discomfort and restoring joint function. Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active can help keep your joints feeling their best.