Joint pain - Rejuvenate Clinic

Joint Pain

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, elbows, or fingers.

What causes joint pain?

• Arthritis: This is inflammation of the joints from wear and tear over time, most commonly osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. It leads to breakdown of cartilage and bone rubbing against bone.
• Injuries: Sprains, strains, dislocations, and fractures can injure ligaments, tendons, and bones around joints.
• Overuse: Repeated movements or overexertion can irritate joints.
• Infection: Viruses and bacteria can infect joints and nearby bursae.
• Autoimmune disorders: The immune system attacks joints, as in rheumatoid arthritis.

Common symptoms include:

• Stiffness after inactivity
• Joint swelling
• Redness around the joint
• Feeling of warmth around a joint
• Limited range of motion
• Tenderness when touching the joint
• Muscle weakness

Diagnosing joint pain involves:

• Medical history
• Physical exam assessing range of motion and inflammation
• Imaging tests like x-rays, MRI scans
• Blood tests checking for autoimmune disorders

Joint pain treatment

Lifestyle measures: - Apply ice packs to reduce swelling - Use joint braces to support joints - Exercise to build strength - Lose weight to reduce pressure on joints

Medications: - Acetaminophen or NSAIDs to alleviate pain - Corticosteroid injections to decrease inflammation - Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate

Surgery for severe joint damage: - Joint repair - Joint fusion - Joint replacement with prosthetics

Seeking early treatment is key to managing joint pain before major damage occurs. Controlling inflammation can limit cartilage and bone loss. An integrated approach with medications, therapy, and lifestyle changes helps improve joint pain and function.

For more information, please visit the Rejuvenate Clinic.