What is Joint Pain?
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. Joint pain can range from mild to severe, and can be acute or chronic in nature.
Some common causes of joint pain include:
- Arthritis - inflammation and swelling of a joint. The two most common types that cause joint pain are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Injuries - sprains, strains, broken bones, and dislocations can all lead to acute or chronic joint pain
- Bursitis - inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the joints
- Tendinitis - inflammation of tendons, the fibrous cords that attach muscles to bones
- Gout - a form of inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid crystal deposits in the joints
Do you suffer from painful, stiff, swollen joints? Our physicians at Harmony Hormone Therapy Therapy Clinic specialize in treating joint disorders and restoring health, function, and quality of life. We offer advanced integrative treatments to reduce inflammation, strengthen cartilage and tendons, modify immune responses, and promote healing. Contact us today for a consultation!
Some common symptoms of joint pain include:
- Tenderness
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Redness
- Warmth around a joint
- Limited range of motion
- Creaking/popping sounds
- Muscle weakness
"The degree of pain can vary from mild to debilitating, depending on the cause and severity of the condition."
Risk factors that may increase one's likelihood of experiencing joint pain include:
- Age - the joints become more prone to wear and tear over time
- Excess weight - extra body weight puts more pressure on weight-bearing joints like the hips and knees
- Prior injuries - damage from past fractures, dislocations, or ligament/tendon tears can lead to chronic joint pain later on
- Certain occupations - jobs with repetitive motions or heavy lifting increase risk
- Sports injuries - sprains and fractures from athletic activities can cause post-traumatic arthritis
Some self-care tips to manage joint pain include:
- Apply heat/ice packs to ease swollen joints
- Exercise to preserve joint mobility and strength
- Lose excess weight to reduce pressure on the joints
- Use braces, splints, or assistive devices to stabilize painful joints
- Get sufficient rest to avoid overusing tender joints
Of course, severe or persistent joint pain should be evaluated by a doctor to pinpoint the underlying cause and design an appropriate treatment plan which may include:
- Medications like NSAIDs, steroids, DMARDs, biologics
- Physical/occupational therapy
- Orthotics or prosthetics
- Surgery such as joint repair, replacement, or fusion
I hope this overview on joint pain - what it is, its causes, symptoms, risk factors, and management - has been helpful! Please consult a medical professional if you have concerns about unexplained lingering or worsening joint pain. Our specialists at Harmony Hormone Therapy can provide cutting-edge care plans to get you feeling better quickly. Call today to schedule your evaluation!