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, elbows, or fingers.
What causes joint pain?
- Arthritis: This is inflammation in a joint that causes stiffness, pain, and loss of movement. The two most common types that cause joint pain are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Injuries: Sprains, fractures, dislocations, and other injuries can lead to either short-term or chronic joint pain.
- Medical conditions: Lupus, gout, infections, fibromyalgia, and thyroid disorders can all trigger widespread joint pain.
- Aging: As people get older, joint pain gets more common due to years of wear and tear. Cartilage breaks down and loses shock absorption.
What are the most common sites of joint pain?
Some of the most frequently affected joints are:
- Knees
- Hips
- Lower back
- Hands and fingers
- Shoulders
- Neck
However, pain can occur in any joint depending on the underlying cause.
What are the main symptoms of joint pain?
- Soreness, ache or pain in or around a joint
- Stiffness after periods of inactivity
- Swelling around joints
- Reduced range of motion
- Tenderness when pressure is applied
- A grating or cracking sensation when joint is moved
How is joint pain diagnosed?
To determine the cause of joint pain, doctors take a full medical history and conduct a physical exam. They palpate joints to locate areas of tenderness, test range of motion, and check for redness/warmth.
Additional tests can include:
- Blood tests to look for autoimmune diseases or uric acid levels
- Imaging scans like x-rays, MRIs
- Arthrocentesis to examine joint fluid
How can I manage joint pain at home?
- Apply hot and cold therapy
- Wrap joints with elastic bandages
- Use over-the-counter pain medication
- Exercise to build strength around joints
- Lose excess weight to reduce pressure on joints
See your doctor if home treatments do not relieve pain or improve mobility within a couple of weeks. Early treatment can help resolve joint issues and prevent ongoing damage.
For more information, please visit Vitality Health Clinic.