What could be causing my joint pain?
Joint pain is often a result of an acute injury. You might sustain such trauma when playing sports, in an auto accident, or by falling. Common injuries that cause joint pain include:
- Ligament sprains
- Tendon strains
- Full and partial dislocations
- Fractures
- Labral tears
- Meniscus tears
Overuse can also cause joint pain. Repeating the same movements over long periods can create irritation and inflammation in the joint tissues. This could cause bursitis, tendinitis, or nerve compression.
These problems can develop into chronic joint pain conditions without the correct treatment. But by far the most common reason to have chronic joint pain is arthritis.
How does arthritis cause joint pain?
There are numerous kinds of arthritis, all of which cause pain and stiffness that worsen over time. But the one that impacts more people than any other is osteoarthritis. This condition is familiar to many older people, who develop the disease after their joints endure decades of wear.
Affected joints lose the protection given by the articular cartilage that covers your bones because it wears away. The bones rub against one another, creating friction and inflammation. Symptoms also include weakness, joint distortion, and loss of function.
Other common kinds of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, and septic arthritis. These conditions have different causes, including autoimmune disease and infection, but all cause joint pain that can often be severe and disabling.
How is joint pain treated?
Acute joint pain requires rest, ice packs, and a compression bandage. It also helps to raise the injured joint above your heart to prevent swelling. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain medication can also help.
If you have severe joint pain or your condition doesn’t improve after a few days, you should visit Vital Orthopedic & Spine Institute for a proper exam and diagnosis. They may recommend additional treatments, such as:
- A splint or brace
- Physical therapy
- Therapeutic massage
- Corticosteroid injections
- Nerve blocks
- Hyaluronic acid injections
- PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy
- Trigger point injections
- Stem cell injections
- Radiofrequency ablation
The Vital Orthopedic & Spine Institute team uses image-guidance technology to perform injectable treatments.
Would I need surgery for joint pain?
Most people recover well from joint pain without the need for surgery. The most likely reasons for requiring surgery for joint pain are:
Poorly healing connective tissue injuries
Injuries like ruptured ligaments or tendons and severely damaged cartilage are often difficult to heal without surgical repair or reconstruction.
Advanced arthritis
Nonsurgical treatments can give you years of good pain control and mobility. But if the damage becomes too severe, these methods might no longer work. Joint replacement surgery could resolve the problem.
If you have joint pain, get expert treatment from the Vital Orthopedic & Spine Institute team. Call their office today or book an appointment online.
