You may experience joint pain because of an injury or disease. Injury or inflammation can cause a buildup of fluid in the joints, which causes pain and stiffness. Read on to learn more about the most common causes of joint pain, and what treatments are available.
Causes of joint pain
Joint pain can be caused by injury affecting any of the ligaments, bursae, or tendons surrounding the joint. Injury can also affect the ligaments, cartilage, and bones within the joint. Pain is also a feature of joint inflammation (arthritis pain) and infection and can be a feature of rare tumors of the joint.
- Arthritis pain is a common cause of joint pain. Arthritis pain is inflammation of one or more joints. There are over 100 different forms of arthritis pain with symptoms ranging from mild to severe and chronic. Symptoms of arthritis pain may include swelling, stiffness, redness, and warmth around a joint, decreased range of motion in a joint or joints, and difficulty walking or using your hands.
Many types of arthritis pain have similar symptoms but also have their unique symptoms depending on the type. Some types of arthritis pain may affect internal organs of the body as well as the joints. Other types only affect specific areas such as the spine or hands. - Gout — a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joint that causes sudden bouts of severe pain
- Osteoarthritis pain— the most common type of arthritis pain, which occurs when the cartilage that protects the bones wears down over time
- Fibromyalgia — widespread pain throughout the body caused by sensitivity to pain signals.
Treatments for joint pain
In the age of modern medicine, there are quite a few different ways to treat joint pain. From over-the-counter pain relievers to cortisone shots and even non-invasive Peoria joint pain treatment, there are treatments for just about every type of arthritis pain you can imagine.
Joint pain usually begins after an injury or illness or from repeated use or overuse of a joint through sports or work. It can also be caused by obesity, old age, and certain diseases like gout. The following are common methods used to treat various types of joint pain.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
These include ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), and naproxen (Aleve). These drugs can control the symptoms of mild arthritis pain and provide moderate relief from joint pain. They are available in pill form as well as topical creams and gels that you rub on the skin over the painful area. - Corticosteroid procedures
This treatment involves administering a steroid into the affected joint to relieve inflammation and swelling that causes pain. Cortisone shots generally provide quick relief for hip, knee, shoulder, wrist, and elbow problems. Joints that have been damaged by arthritis pain usually don’t benefit from it. - Biological Therapy
Biological therapy that focuses on strengthening muscles around the affected joints may also provide relief from symptoms. Biological therapy is often used to help rheumatoid arthritis pain patients manage their pain and maintain mobility. Your doctor can help you find a physiotherapist with experience treating people with rheumatoid arthritis pain.
As with any disease or condition, if you experience joint pain, it is essential to discuss the issue with a doctor. He or she may be able to evaluate your symptoms and determine the cause of the pain. For example, your doctor may recommend decreasing any activity that seems to trigger your joint pain. Several lifestyle changes can help alleviate joint pain. These include quitting smoking, avoiding excess weight gain, getting enough fiber and sleep each day, exercising regularly, and protecting yourself from the elements (such as cold weather). However, medication is likely necessary as well.
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