Joint pain

What is joint pain?

Joint pain refers to discomfort, aches, and soreness in any of the body's joints. This sensitive tissue connects two or more bones together and provides stability and support so you can move.

Common Causes

Joint pain has numerous potential causes:

• Arthritis - This umbrella term includes osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and others involving inflammation. Over time, the protective cartilage breaks down.


• Injuries - Sports injuries, falls, motor vehicle accidents, and other trauma can damage ligaments, tendons, and bones. This leads to painful inflammation as the joint heals.


• Mechanical Issues - Misaligned joints or muscle imbalances can stress areas over time, resulting in inflammation and joint damage.

Locations

While joints all over the body can be affected, some of the most common sites of joint pain include:

• Knees


• Hips


• Spine


• Hands and wrists


• Shoulders

Symptoms

• Joint stiffness, especially after periods of rest


• Reduced range of motion and flexibility


• Swelling or inflammation


• Tenderness upon touch


• Difficulty walking or performing daily activities

If you're experiencing persistent joint discomfort and stiffness, especially with no preceding injury, it's a good idea to meet with your doctor. Blood tests and imaging scans can pinpoint potential causes, allowing for proper treatment.

Finding Relief

There are many conservative ways to manage joint pain at home, including:

• Gentle stretching


• Applying hot and cold therapy


• Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or NSAIDs


• Using supportive braces or tape

You may also benefit from visiting a physical therapist for customized exercise routines to improve flexibility and strength around affected joints. Maintaining a healthy body weight also reduces unnecessary strain.

For moderate to severe joint issues causing disability and loss of quality of life, your physician may recommend steroid injections, hyaluronic acid therapy, or even surgery for damaged joints.

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