What is Joint Pain?
Joint pain refers to discomfort, aches, and soreness in any of the body's joints. Common causes of joint pain include:
- Arthritis - inflammation of the joints from conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout
- Injuries - sprains, strains, broken bones, and dislocations can all lead to acute or chronic joint pain
- Overuse - repetitive movements and overworking joints through sports, work, or daily activities
- Infection - viruses, bacteria, and fungi can infect joints and cause inflammation
- Autoimmune disorders - diseases like lupus that cause the immune system to attack healthy tissue
Joint pain can range from mild to severe. It may come and go, be constant, or worsen over time. Affected joints may be tender, swollen, stiff, and have decreased range of motion.
When should you see a doctor for joint pain? If pain persists for more than a few days or severely limits daily activities, seek medical care. Unexplained joint pain also warrants evaluation.
What are the treatment options?
- Pain medications - over-the-counter drugs like acetaminophen and NSAIDs to relieve pain and swelling
- Assistive devices - splints, braces, or crutches to improve mobility and take pressure off joints
- Physical therapy - stretches, exercises, and modalities like heat/ice therapy to improve joint function
- Injections - corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
- Surgery - joint repair, fusion, or replacement for advanced joint damage
At Balance Hormone Institute, we also offer hormone optimization services to help reduce inflammation that can contribute to joint pain. Our comprehensive wellness plans are tailored to your unique needs. Contact us today to see if we can help you find relief!
I hope this overview on joint pain gives you a better understanding of what it is, what causes it, and how it can be managed. Let me know if you have any other questions!