Joint Pain: Causes and Treatment

Rohan Mathew

Updated on:

What are joints, and why are they essential?

Joints are the parts of our body that allow two bones to move. A joint is, therefore, the middle part between two bones that allows this movement. But when there is a higher level of activity, the joint’s strength becomes less that makes you more prone to get an injury. Women are more prone to get these types of damages because of their prolonged use of heels. Therefore, they should opt for more comfortable shoes for ladies, rather than creating an imbalance in the leg joints.

Without a joint, you cannot move. They are responsible for any movement that your body makes. The other types which help you to move include the ball and socket, saddle, hinge, condyloid, pivot, and gliding. So the next time when you are performing salsa, thank your joints.

Different causes of Joint pain. 

Mostly the pain in your joint is not a very serious concern, and in rare cases, it can indicate certain illnesses like arthritis or any other ailment. Joint pain is the soreness or tenderness in the joint when you use it. It can also be the result of an injury to the area.

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Arthritis.

This is the most common cause of joint pain and has further two types;

Osteoarthritis (OA)

This is more common in adults who are above the age of 40 years. The initial effects are usually mild but can quickly progress to more severe cases if you do not care. It usually affects the joints in the wrists, hands, hips, and knees.

A joint contains cartilage that is responsible for protecting the joints from shocks or trauma. When it breaks down, the joint is left without any protection that becomes more painful.

Rheumatoid arthritis.

Women are more prone to getting this type of arthritis. Not only does it deform and weaken the joints lots of pain, swelling, and fluid buildup. Women who excessively wear uncomfortable shoes are more likely to get it. Therefore, they should opt for more comfort when it comes to buying shoes for ladies. Some other significant causes of joint pain are:

  • Bursitis, or inflammation of the cushioning pads around joints
  • Lupus
  • Gout
  • Certain infectious diseases, such as mumps, influenza, and hepatitis
  • Chondromalacia of the patella, or a breakdown of the cartilage in the kneecap
  • An injury
  • Tendinitis, or inflammation of the tendon
  • An infection of the bone or joint
  • Overuse of a joint
  • Cancer
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Osteoporosis
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Rickets

When should you see the doctor?

Commonly the pain is not severe enough for you to visit a doctor, but it can be if you have any of the above cases, especially if you have an injury and the pain is unbearable. You should also visit a doctor if you are experiencing other symptoms, along with the pain, and are not sure about the origin. Make an appointment if:

  • There is redness, inflammation, tenderness, and warmth around the joint area.
  • The pain lasts for more than three days.
  • There is fever without a cold.
  • You recently suffered an injury.
  • There is no visible deformation around the joint.
  • There is any sudden swelling of the joint.
  • Your joint cannot move.
  • If the pain around the joint is unbearable

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What is the treatment?

When you visit the doctor with any of these complaints, he will conduct a thorough physical exam of your joint. He will start by asking various questions about the pain, how long it has been persisting, and how you think it began. This exam will help narrow down the possible reasons.

Next, he will probably prescribe an X-ray of the area. This is also a great way to rule arthritis out. In case the X-ray is not sufficient to delineate the cause, he may recommend a comprehensive blood test to rule out any autoimmune disorders. He may also suggest that you get a trial for the sedimentation rate to calculate the body’s actual swelling and get a blood count profile.

He will then prescribe the best treatment for your condition through medicines, biofeedback, and physiotherapy. Most cases show improvement with care and rest.

Conclusion.

Joints control the function of movement in our body. Any injury or illness to these delicate areas can give you a lot of pain, swelling, and inability to move. If any such case arises and you cannot get rid of it even after a few days, you must see a doctor. He will perform a physical exam to rule out the potential causes and prescribe the best treatment. But remember, only care and rest will help you fully recover, so take good care of your joints!