What is Joint Pain?
Joint pain refers to discomfort, aches, or soreness in any of the body's joints. Common causes of joint pain include:
- Arthritis - Inflammation of the joints from conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, etc. This involves breakdown of cartilage and bones.
- Injuries - Sprains, fractures, dislocations can lead to pain.
- Tendinitis - Irritation and inflammation of tendons around joints.
- Bursitis - Swelling of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) around joints.
Major symptoms include:
- Stiffness after inactivity or waking up
- Swelling around joints
- Redness around joints
- Difficulty moving the joints
- Warmth around joints
Joint pain can range from mild to severe, and may come and go. It can affect people of all ages. However, it becomes more common with older age as cartilage breaks down over time.
Diagnosis involves a medical history, physical exam, and tests like:
- X-rays
- MRI scans
- Blood tests
- Joint fluid analysis
Treatment options depend on the cause, but can include:
- Pain medications
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Steroid injections
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Assistive devices like canes or walkers
- Joint replacement surgery
- Lifestyle changes like weight loss to reduce pressure on joints
While joint pain is often chronic if due to arthritis, some types like bursitis may be temporary. Working closely with your doctor at Vitality Medical Clinic is key to properly diagnosing the pain and finding an effective treatment plan. Small lifestyle tweaks combined with medical treatments can greatly improve joint health and reduce discomfort.
So in summary - joint pain has many potential causes, with common symptoms like swelling, stiffness and difficulty moving. After a full workup, treatments range from medications to physical therapy to surgery for severe cases. Finding the right solutions can help manage pain and improve mobility.