Overview:
A joint is where two or more bones meet to allow movement, such as bending the knee, arm or fingers. Joint pain is a common complaint among adults and refers to discomfort, aches, and soreness in any of the body’s joints. In fact, about one in four adults experience severe joint pain related to arthritis, the most common cause of joint pain.
Symptoms:
The most common symptom of joint pain is when the area around the joint is swollen, red, tender, or warm to the touch. Other symptoms include:
- Loss of range of motion of the joint
- Stiffness
- Weakness
- Locking of the joint
Causes:
One of the most common causes of joint pain is arthritis. There are two main forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones wears down over time. This disorder most commonly affects joints in the hands, knees, hips and spine.
Rheumatoid arthritis more commonly affects women than men. Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of the joints, causing inflammation and fluid buildup in the joints.
Other causes of joint pain include:
- Bursitis, or inflammation of the cushioning pads around joints
- Lupus
- Gout
- Injury or trauma
- Tendonitis, or inflammation of the tendon
- Overuse of a joint
Treatment:
One can easily manage joint pain at home with ice, heat, and over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium. If at-home treatments are not relieving one’s joint pain, there are numerous treatment options we offer. These include:
We understand that each patient’s pain is unique. Therefore, the treatment recommended to each patient will be personalized to fit their condition and lifestyle. Our multi-disciplinary team of physicians offers advanced interventional and minimally-invasive techniques to help treat chronic, complex pain. Schedule an appointment today to discuss your concerns and what treatment options might be right for you!
