Joint pain - Balance Hormone Center

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 and swelling of the joint, causing pain. The two most common types that cause joint pain are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Injuries - sprains, fractures, and dislocations can lead to acute and chronic joint pain.
• Medical conditions - lupus, gout, and infections can also manifest as painful joints.

Symptoms

Individuals with joint pain typically experience:

• Sensations of aching, throbbing, stabbing, or burning in the joint
• Tenderness when pressure is applied to the joint
• Stiffness after periods of rest or inactivity
• Loss of flexibility and range of motion
• Swelling or inflammation around the joint

The intensity can range from mild to severe, often worsening with movement and improving with rest.

What Joints Are Most Commonly Affected?

• Knees - the knee joint bears the weight of the body and is susceptible to osteoarthritis.
• Hips - the hip joint also bears body weight and allows a wide range of motion, making it prone to arthritis and injuries.
• Spine - spinal discs wear down with age, leading to back and neck pain.
• Hands and wrists - repetitive motions can lead to osteoarthritis in these small joints.

Diagnosis

To determine the cause of joint pain, doctors perform a physical exam and review medical history. They may order imaging tests like x-rays, MRIs, or CT scans to visualize the joint structures. Blood tests can look for inflammation markers or rule out gout/infections. Analyzing joint fluid aspiration can also detect inflammatory processes.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and improving joint function. Options include:

• Medications - NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen), analgesics, steroids, biologics
• Therapy - physical/occupational therapy, splints, assistive devices
• Surgery - joint repair, joint replacement, synovectomy
• Lifestyle changes - weight loss, exercise, applying heat/ice

Managing joint pain involves a combination of treatment approaches tailored to the individual. Controlling inflammation is key, as is building strength and stability around the joint. With proper management, most people can find significant relief from joint pain and restore movement.

If you have any concerns about joint pain, consult with the experts at Balance Hormone Center for personalized care and treatment options.