overview
What is joint pain?
Joint problems are common and usually occur in the hands, feet, hips, knees or spine. The pain can be constant or it can come and go. Sometimes the joint can feel stiff, painful, or painful. Some patients complain of a burning, throbbing, or "rubbing" sensation. Also, the joint can feel stiff in the morning, but it relaxes and feels better with movement and activity. However, too much activity can make the pain worse.
Joint pain can impair joint function and limit a person's ability to perform basic tasks. Severe joint pain can impair the quality of life. Treatment should focus not only on the pain but also on the activities and functions affected.
Who is most likely to have joint pain?
Joint pain tends to affect those who:
- Had previous injuries to a joint
- Repeated use and/or abuse of a muscle
- To haveArthritisor other chronic diseases
- suffer from somethingDepression, fear and/oremphasize
- are overweight
- suffer from health problems
ErasIt is also a factor in stiff and painful joints. After years of wear and tear on the joints, problems can arise in middle-aged and older adults.
Possible causes
What Causes Joint Pain?
The most common causes of chronic joint pain are:
- arthrosis, a common type of arthritis, occurs over time as cartilage, the protective cushion between bones, wears away. The joints become painful and stiff. Osteoarthritis develops slowly and usually occurs in middle age.
- Rheumatoide ArthritisIt is a chronic disease that causes swelling and pain in the joints. Joints are often deformed (usually in the fingers and wrists).
- DropIt's a painful condition where crystals from the body collect in the joint, causing severe pain and swelling. This usually occurs on the big toe.
- bursitisIt is caused by overuse. It is usually found in the hip, knee, elbow, or shoulder.
- The viral infection, rash or fever can make joint movements painful.
- injuriessuch as broken bones or sprains
- tendinitisIt is inflammation of the tendons, or flexible ligaments, that connect bones and muscles. It usually occurs in the elbow, heel, or shoulder and is usually caused by overuse.
care and treatment
How is joint pain treated?
Although there may not be a cure for the pain, it can be administered to provide relief to the patient. Sometimes the pain can go away by taking over-the-counter medications or doing simple daily exercises. In other cases, pain can indicate problems that can only be corrected with prescription drugs or surgery.
- simple home treatmentsB. applying a heat pack or ice to the affected area may be recommended several times a day for short periods of time. A soak in a hot tub can also provide relief.
- The exercisecan help regain strength and function. Walking, swimming, or other low-impact aerobic exercise is best. Those who engage in strenuous exercise or athletic activities may need to reduce their exercise routine or start with a gentle exercise routine. Gentle stretching exercises also help. Consult your doctor before beginning or continuing any exercise program.
- weight lossif necessary, a relief of the joints can be recommended.
- Paracetamol (Tylenol®) or anti-inflammatories (ibuprofen), can help relieve pain. Both drugs are available over the counter, but stronger doses may require a prescription. if you have had stomach ulcers in the past,kidney diseaseor liver disease, consult your doctor to see if this is a good option for you.
- topical treatmentsOintments or gels rubbed into the skin over the affected joint area can also help relieve pain. Some of these are available without a prescription, or the doctor can issue a prescription.
- dietary supplements, like glucosamine, can help relieve pain. Consult your doctor before taking any over-the-counter dietary supplement.
If these medications or treatments don't relieve the pain, your doctor may prescribe:
- supporting assistants, such as a splint, cane, or orthotic device in the shoe can help support the joint for easier movement. The doctor, physical or occupational therapist, or social worker can help with the correct option(s) available.
- Physiotherapy or occupational therapycan gradually help reduce pain and improve flexibility along with a balanced fitness regimen.
- Antidepressantsmay be prescribed to help a patient with joint pain improve sleep.
- steroids, which are usually given as an injection into the joint, provide short-term relief from pain and swelling.
- Analgesicsthat help relieve pain.
Keep in mind that medications, even those available over the counter, affect people differently. What works for one may not help another. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions when taking any medication and let your doctor know if you experience any side effects.
What can you do about joint pain?
Surgery may be an option if the joint pain is long-lasting and doesn't improve with medication or physical therapy and exercise. Please be sure to discuss this with your doctor to ensure surgery makes sense.
There are many different surgical options available, including:
arthroscopy: A procedure in which a surgeon makes two or three small incisions in the flesh over the joint and penetrates the joint with an arthroscope or a thin, flexible fiberoptic instrument to repair cartilage or remove bone fragments in or near the joint .
joint replacement: If other treatments don't help, surgery may be needed to replace the joint as the cartilage that cushions and protects the ends of the bone gradually wears down. This can be done for the hip, knee and shoulder joints.
A surgeon removes part of the patient's bone and implants an artificial joint made of metal or plastic. This procedure has had excellent results and most patients experience permanent pain relief after this type of surgery.
When to call the doctor
What joint pain symptoms are of concern?
Symptoms of joint pain range from mild to disabling. Without cartilage, the bones rub directly against each other when the joint moves. Symptoms can include:
- swelling
- Rigid or raised joint
- deafness
- Noisy joints or popping, grinding, or popping noises when moving the joint
- painful movement
- Difficulty bending or straightening the joint
- loss of motion
- A red, warm, swollen joint (this should be checked out by a doctor quickly)
When should I see a doctor?
If the pain is interfering with normal activities of daily living, it's time to talk to a doctor about the problem. It's important to quickly diagnose the cause of the pain and begin treatment to relieve the pain and keep your joints healthy and functioning.
You should see a doctor if:
- The pain is accompanied byFever
- There is an unexplained weight loss (10 pounds or more)
- Pain prevents you from walking normally
During the consultation, the doctor will ask many questions to find out what could be the cause of the pain. The patient should be prepared to answer questions about previous joint injuries, when the joint pain started, family history of joint pain, and the type of pain experienced.
An examination of the affected joint follows to determine whether there is pain or restricted movement. The doctor will also look for signs of injury to the surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
If necessary, the doctor may also order x-rays or blood tests. X-rays can show whether joint wear, fluid in the joint,bone spurs, or other issues that may be contributing to the pain. Blood tests help confirm a diagnosis or rule out other conditions that might be causing the pain.
FAQs
What causes joint pain and treatment? ›
The most common causes of chronic pain in joints are: Osteoarthritis, a common type of arthritis, happens over time when the cartilage, the protective cushion in between the bones, wears away. The joints become painful and stiff. Osteoarthritis develops slowly and usually occurs during middle age.
What causes joint pain symptoms? ›- Adult Still's disease.
- Ankylosing spondylitis.
- Avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis) (death of bone tissue due to limited blood flow)
- Bone cancer.
- Broken bone.
- Bursitis (joint inflammation)
- Complex regional pain syndrome (chronic pain due to a dysfunctional nervous system)
- Fibromyalgia.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Examples include ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve).
What vitamin helps with joint pain? ›Such is the case with vitamin D. When you aren't getting enough, you may get pain in your joints. Vitamin D's anti-inflammatory properties help relieve joint pain. Vitamin D also can help manage autoimmune conditions that affect the joints, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Type 1 diabetes.
What is the best vitamin for stiff joints? ›Several nutritional supplements have shown promise for relieving pain, stiffness and other arthritis symptoms. Glucosamine and chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, SAM-e and curcumin are just some of the natural products researchers have studied for osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
What vitamin deficiency causes joint pain? ›Vitamin D status influences musculoskeletal health. Low vitamin D levels may lead to clinical manifestations, including bone pain, muscle weakness, falls, low bone mass, and fractures, with subsequent diagnoses of osteomalacia, osteoporosis, and myopathy.
What is the number one cause of joint pain? ›Osteoarthritis
Sometimes called wear-and-tear arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common culprit in joint pain. It occurs when the lining of the joints, called cartilage, is worn down. Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint, it most commonly affects the knees, hands and hips.
People who have low levels of vitamin D often have joint pain. Vitamin D supplements may treat joint pain in some people who have a vitamin D deficiency. However, research doesn't support that people with healthy levels of vitamin D take should take these supplements for joint pain.
What supplements reduce joint inflammation? ›Glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3, and green tea are just a few of them. Glucosamine helps keep the cartilage in joints healthy and may have an anti-inflammatory effect. Natural glucosamine levels drop as people age. Chondroitin is often used with glucosamine as an osteoarthritis treatment.
What helps joint inflammation? ›If you think your joint inflammation is due to a sudden injury, the RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) method is the first line of treatment to reduce pain and swelling. See an orthopedist if the pain and swelling don't diminish after RICE treatment.
What disease attacks all your joints? ›
Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease, which means that your immune system attacks healthy cells in your body by mistake, causing inflammation (painful swelling) in the affected parts of the body. RA mainly attacks the joints, usually many joints at once.
What disease causes inflamed and painful joints? ›Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
What medications cause joint pain? ›- Antibiotic: levofloxacin. ...
- Cholesterol-lowering medications: statins. ...
- Osteoporosis medication: bisphosphonates. ...
- Asthma inhalers. ...
- Breast cancer medications: anastrozole, exemestane, letrozole. ...
- Acne treatment: isotretinoin. ...
- Nerve pain / anti-seizure medication: pregabalin.
Vitamins A, C and E have antioxidant properties. This means they can override harmful molecules, known as free radicals, which are produced within your cells and which may cause tissue damage or disease.
What is the strongest natural anti-inflammatory? ›Omega-3 fatty acids , which are abundant in fatty fish such as salmon or tuna, are among the most potent anti-inflammatory supplements.
How can I lubricate my joints naturally? ›Your joints' lubricating fluid allows your joints to move with more ease and less stress. To activate those juices, start your exercise routine with a gentle 5-10-minute warm-up and gradually increase your effort. Another good way to self-lube is drinking more water. Stretch regularly.
What is the fastest way to lubricate stiff joints for pain? ›1. Exercise can provide significant relief because it increases water in your synovial fluid and sends lubrication to the joints. The synovial fluid is also spread evenly during exercise because joint movement pushes the fluid around to reach places in the joints that it may not normally reach.
What is the best OTC medicine for stiff joints? ›Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs. OTC doses of these drugs, including ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) and naproxen sodium (Aleve), may be useful for relieving pain. At higher prescription doses they may also relieve inflammation.
Are there any joint supplements that actually work? ›When it comes to treating arthritis pain and improving joint function omega 3 fatty acids [1], turmeric [2] and resveratrol [3] are typically deemed to be the most effective ingredients for natural rheumatoid arthritis pain. As such we'd typically recommend supplements for arthritis that contain all three.
Can lack of B12 cause joint pain? ›Not getting enough vitamin B12 to the point of a deficiency can cause a variety of serious symptoms including depression, joint pain, and fatigue.
Does magnesium help with joint pain? ›
Taking magnesium can help to reduce arthritic pain and inflammation. It may be beneficial to take magnesium supplements or eat foods rich in magnesium if you are experiencing arthritic pain.
Does B12 help joint pain? ›Vitamin B12 specifically is a vitamin for nerves and joints – it protects the nerves, stimulates nerve regeneration, and could help reduce the pain from old injuries.
What autoimmune disorders cause joint pain? ›Several autoimmune diseases can cause joint pain and other symptoms that mimic rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These diseases most commonly include lupus, systemic scleroderma, and polymyalgia rheumatic.
What autoimmune disease does all your joints hurt? ›Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Normally, your immune system helps protect your body from infection and disease. In rheumatoid arthritis, your immune system attacks healthy tissue in your joints. It can also cause medical problems with your heart, lungs, nerves, eyes and skin.
What vitamin removes inflammation? ›Vitamin C. Vitamin C, like vitamin D, is an essential vitamin that plays a huge role in immunity and inflammation. It's a powerful antioxidant, so it can reduce inflammation by neutralizing free radicals that cause oxidative damage to your cells ( 55 ).
Which vitamin stops inflammation? ›Vitamin E. Packed with antioxidants, vitamin E boosts your immune system and may also ease inflammation.
What are two autoimmune diseases that affect joints? ›Rheumatoid arthritis, a form of arthritis that attacks the joints. Psoriasis, a condition marked by thick, scaly patches of skin. Psoriatic arthritis, a type of arthritis affecting some people with psoriasis. Lupus, a disease that damages areas of the body that include joints, skin and organs.
What virus inflames joints? ›The most common viruses causing arthritis and/or arthralgias are parvovirus, the alphaviruses, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and tropical viruses, such as Zika and chikungunya (CHIKV).
What does lupus joint pain feel like? ›Lupus can also cause inflammation in the joints, which doctors call “inflammatory arthritis.” It can make your joints hurt and feel stiff, tender, warm, and swollen. Lupus arthritis most often affects joints that are farther from the middle of your body, like your fingers, wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, and toes.
What causes joint pain flare ups? ›The most common triggers of an OA flare are overdoing an activity or trauma to the joint. Other triggers can include bone spurs, stress, repetitive motions, cold weather, a change in barometric pressure, an infection or weight gain.
What is the most common joint disorder is inflammation of the joints? ›
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. Some people call it degenerative joint disease or “wear and tear” arthritis. It occurs most frequently in the hands, hips, and knees. With OA, the cartilage within a joint begins to break down and the underlying bone begins to change.
What is my body lacking if I have joint pain? ›People who have low levels of vitamin D often have joint pain. Vitamin D supplements may treat joint pain in some people who have a vitamin D deficiency. However, research doesn't support that people with healthy levels of vitamin D take should take these supplements for joint pain.
What is the most common reason for joint pain? ›Osteoarthritis
Sometimes called wear-and-tear arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common culprit in joint pain. It occurs when the lining of the joints, called cartilage, is worn down. Although osteoarthritis can damage any joint, it most commonly affects the knees, hands and hips.
If you think your joint inflammation is due to a sudden injury, the RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) method is the first line of treatment to reduce pain and swelling. See an orthopedist if the pain and swelling don't diminish after RICE treatment.
What disease starts with joint pain? ›Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
What is the best vitamin for joints and bones? ›Vitamin D is important for keeping bones strong and preventing injuries from falls. Research shows that people with low levels of vitamin D may have more joint pain.
Can vitamin B12 deficiency cause joint pain? ›Not getting enough vitamin B12 to the point of a deficiency can cause a variety of serious symptoms including depression, joint pain, and fatigue.
What autoimmune diseases cause joint pain? ›Several autoimmune diseases can cause joint pain and other symptoms that mimic rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These diseases most commonly include lupus, systemic scleroderma, and polymyalgia rheumatic.
What is the best drink for joint inflammation? ›Tea is one of the most-studied drinks when it comes to its benefits for arthritis patients. Green, black and white teas are all rich in polyphenols – compounds from plants that have strong anti-inflammatory effects. You'll find the highest polyphenol levels in green and white teas.
What is the number one cause for joint inflammation? ›The most common causes of joint inflammation are injuries and inflammatory arthritis. Pain and inflammation resulting from injuries usually resolve, but inflammatory arthritis is a chronic condition that may get worse with time.