JOINT PAIN
What Causes Joint Pain?
Joint pain refers to the aches and pains in our joints located in the shoulders, elbows, hips, fingers, toes, wrists, and knees. Pain in these areas is a common complaint as a result of their daily functions. The repetitive movement of some joints can lead to degeneration of the surrounding tissue and the development of osteoarthritis- a leading cause of chronic joint pain. Still, numerous other forms of arthritis are responsible for different forms of joint pain and stiffness, such as:
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Rheumatoid arthritis
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Gout
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Psoriatic arthritis
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Post-traumatic arthritis
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Septic arthritis
Sports injuries are also known to be a frequent reason for experiencing joint pain, the main sources being sprained ligaments, torn cartilage, and strained tendons. It’s possible to fracture or dislocate the bones in your joints and cause discomfort, as well.
How to Treat Joint Pain
Treatment for joint pain is dependent on the source. Treating acute joint pain from a fall or sports injury may look different from severe injuries or chronic joint pain. Minor circumstances could be resolved with additional rest, hot and cold treatments, and over-the-counter pain relief medications. In most cases, avoid immobility as it can cause your joints to become even stiffer.
To develop an optimal treatment plan, we will begin with assessing your joints and discussing any symptoms you may be experiencing. We may need to conduct X-rays, MRI, blood tests, or other diagnostic techniques to verify the origin and severity of your joint damage. After that, we begin developing a treatment plan. Some common treatments include:
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Stretching and strengthening exercises
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Low-dose opioids
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Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD)
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Steroid Injections
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Weight loss
LET'S WORK TOGETHER
At APEX Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, board-certified physician John H. Bissell, M.D., provides a wide variety of treatments for pain management that not only relieves your symptoms but improves the overall health of your afflicted area. If you're struggling to identify the cause and manage your pain, call us to set up an appointment.