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, shoulders, and fingers. Joint pain can range from mild to severe and can be caused by a variety of factors.
What causes joint pain?
The most common causes include:
- Arthritis - inflammation and swelling of a joint. The two most common types are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Injuries - sprains, strains, fractures, and dislocations can all lead to acute or chronic joint pain.
- Medical conditions - lupus, gout, thyroid disorders, and diabetes.
- Infection - fungi, viruses and bacteria can infect joints and the fluid surrounding them.
- Autoimmune disorders - diseases like rheumatoid arthritis where the immune system attacks healthy tissue.
What are the symptoms?
People with painful joints may experience:
- Swelling, redness, warmth around the joint
- Tenderness and pain when touching the joint
- Stiffness, especially first thing in the morning or after resting
- Difficulty moving the joint and loss of range of motion
- Creaking or cracking sounds with joint movement
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How is joint pain diagnosed?
To determine the cause of joint pain, doctors typically begin with a
physical examination of the sore area. They will check for
tenderness, swelling, redness and range of motion.
Some tests that can help pinpoint the problem include:
- Blood tests - to check for autoimmune diseases or uric acid levels
- Imaging - x-rays, CT scans or MRIs to visualize soft tissue and bone structures
- Joint fluid analysis - removing and testing fluid with a needle
- Arthroscopy - inserting a tiny camera inside the joint for examination
What are the treatment options?
Treatments vary depending on the underlying problem but may include:
- OTC medications - acetaminophen, NSAIDs like ibuprofen to relieve pain and swelling
- Cold/heat therapy - ice, heating pads to reduce inflammation
- Braces or splints - to support and immobilize the joint
- Physical therapy - stretches and exercises to improve mobility
- Injections - steroids to relieve inflammation or lubricants like hyaluronic acid
- For severe/chronic cases - surgery or joint replacement
The key is determining the root cause and working with your care provider to manage symptoms for lasting relief. Monitor your joints and contact your physician if pain persists for over 2 weeks.
I hope this provides a helpful overview on the key things to know about joint pain. Let me know if you have any other questions!