Joint pain - Renew Clinic

What is Joint Pain?

Joint pain is a very common problem that affects people of all ages. It can range from mild discomfort and stiffness to severe pain that limits mobility and impacts quality of life. Understanding the causes and treatments for joint pain is key to managing this condition.

What Causes Joint Pain?

There are many potential causes of joint pain including:

• Arthritis - This is inflammation of the joints and includes osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. It leads to breakdown of cartilage and bone.
• Injuries - Sprains, strains, fractures, and dislocations can all cause acute joint pain.
• Overuse - Repeated movements like typing or athletic activities can irritate joints.
• Autoimmune disorders - Diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis cause joint inflammation.
• Infections - Bacterial or viral joint infections can cause severe pain.
• Mechanical issues - Problems with alignment or joint structure puts more stress on joints.

What are the Most Common Joints affected by Pain?

The joints most often affected by pain include:

• Knees - The knee joint bears the body's weight and is vulnerable to injuries and osteoarthritis.
• Hips - Hip osteoarthritis and bursitis are common causes of hip pain.
• Shoulders - Rotator cuff injuries and arthritis lead to shoulder joint pain.
• Lower back - Facet joint arthritis and spinal issues cause back pain.
• Hands and wrists - Osteoarthritis and repetitive injuries cause hand pain.

What are Symptoms of Joint Pain?

Joint pain symptoms can vary depending on the cause but often include:

• Aching, soreness, or stiffness in a joint
• Throbbing, stabbing, or burning pain
• Swelling and inflammation around a joint
• Reduced range of motion and flexibility
• Grating or cracking sensations with movement
• Joint deformity in advanced arthritis

When to See a Doctor for Joint Pain

See your doctor if you have:

• Unexplained joint pain lasting over 2 weeks
• Sudden, severe joint pain after an injury
• Joint pain with swelling, redness, or warmth
• Pain that interrupts sleep or daily activities
• Stiffness lasting over 30 minutes after waking
• Multiple painful joints

Early diagnosis is key to proper treatment and preventing permanent joint damage.

How is Joint Pain Diagnosed?

Doctors use several tools to diagnose the cause of joint pain including:

• Medical history and physical exam assessing symptoms and joint function
• Imaging tests like x-rays, MRI, and ultrasound to visualize joint damage
• Blood tests looking for inflammation and autoimmune disorders
• Analysis of joint fluid for infection, gout crystals
• Nerve tests like EMG/NCV for referred joint pain

What Treatments Help Relieve Joint Pain?

Treatment depends on the cause but may include:

• Medications - NSAIDs, steroids, DMARDs, biologics, anesthetics
• Joint injections - Steroids, hyaluronic acid, PRP, and anesthetics injected into joints
• Physical therapy - Stretching, strengthening exercises, activity modification
• Braces and supports - Reduce strain on arthritic joints
• Surgery - Joint repair, replacement surgery for advanced arthritis
• Lifestyle changes - Weight loss, rest, applying heat/ice, quitting smoking

Seeing a rheumatologist or orthopedic specialist is advised for proper treatment. Consider an appointment at Renew Clinic - our integrative approach combines traditional treatments with customized bioidentical hormone therapies to reduce inflammation and joint pain. Our patients see excellent relief from stiff, achy joints.

When is Joint Pain Serious?

See your doctor immediately if you have:

• Sudden, severe joint pain
• Inability to bear weight on a joint after injury
• Rapid swelling or redness around a joint
• Joint pain with fever, chills, or illness
• Multiple painful joints throughout the body

These symptoms may indicate infections, fractures, autoimmune disease, or other serious conditions requiring prompt medical care. Don't delay in seeking help.

In summary, joint pain has many causes but early diagnosis and proper treatment can often successfully relieve symptoms. Pay attention to persistent or worsening joint aches and pains and consult your doctor. Controlling joint pain improves mobility and quality of life.