What is joint pain?
Joint pain is discomfort inside and around any of the hundreds of large and small joints throughout your body. Some of the most common points of joint pain are the hips and knees, but many people also experience pain in the smaller joints in the hands, feet, and other areas.
Joint pain is more common in people over the age of 50, but it occurs in people in their younger years as well.
What might cause joint pain?
Joint pain may occur with disease, wear-and-tear, or injury. Some of the main causes of joint pain include:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Post-traumatic arthritis
- Reactive arthritis
- Gout
- Tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Infection
- Sprains and strains
- Fractures
- Dislocation
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
- Fibromyalgia
- Lyme disease
Arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, is the most common cause of joint pain. It occurs when the cartilage coating that normally shields your bones breaks down. That causes your bones to rub together whenever you move an affected joint, which results in not only pain but stiffness, swelling, and other issues.
How is the reason for joint pain diagnosed?
Your provider at Rogozinski Orthopedic Clinic performs a comprehensive physical exam and takes a full medical history. They discuss your symptoms with you, including specifics about the location of your joint pain, when it started, and when the pain worsens and recedes.
Should you need X-rays or other imaging tests to verify your diagnosis, Rogozinski Orthopedic Clinic has state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging equipment on campus.
What does joint pain treatment involve?
Your Rogozinski Orthopedic Clinic provider works with you in developing a personalized treatment plan for your joint pain. Your treatment may include:
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Disease-specific medication
- Activity modification
- On-site physical therapy
- Walking cane, walker, or other mobility aids
- Steroid joint injections
- Hyaluronic acid injections
Some conditions that cause joint pain, such as osteoarthritis, are generally progressive. Your Rogozinski Orthopedic Clinic provider can help you manage your pain and live comfortably to avoid surgery as long as possible.
But, should you eventually need more relief than conservative care can give you, your provider can discuss surgical options. Total and partial joint replacements are some of the most common surgical procedures for severe, chronic joint pain.
Rogozinski Orthopedic Clinic proudly offers all-encompassing joint pain care. Book your appointment online or by phone.
