Your entire body's joints may hurt from joint discomfort. It could be a sign of a variety of illnesses. Joint discomfort is most frequently caused by arthritis. Arthritis comes in over a hundred varieties. Pain in the joints might be minor or severe. Treatment options range from basic at-home care to surgery, based on your specific medical condition.
What is the definition of joint pain?
Commonly, joint stiffness is felt in the hands, feet, hips, knees, or spine. Your joint pain may be intermittent or persistent. Your joints may feel painful, achy, or stiff at times. Some claim to be experiencing a throbbing, scorching, or "grating" feeling.
Furthermore, you can notice that your joints are stiff in the morning, but that they get looser and more comfortable with movement. On the other hand, overdoing it may exacerbate your pain.
What is the source of joint pain?
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
- Gout
- Overuse
- Tendinitis
Which variables put one at risk for joint pain?
- Arthritis or other persistent (chronic) illnesses.
- Previous joint damage.
- Overuse is repeated use of a muscle.
- Stress, anxiety, or depression.
- Being obese (body mass index greater than 30) or overweight (body mass index larger than 25).
What kind of care is available for joint pain?
Treatments for joint discomfort consist of:
- Easy home cures: Your doctor could advise using ice or a heating pad to the afflicted area several times a day for brief periods of time. Taking a warm bath can also provide some help.
- Exercise: Regaining strength and function can be aided by exercise. The best low-impact aerobic activity is walking or swimming. Individuals who engage in intense physical activities or sports may need to modify their regimen or switch to a low-impact one. Easy stretches will be beneficial as well. A regimen of exercise should be started and continued after seeing your provider.
- Weight loss: If it's necessary to reduce the load on your joints, your physician might advise you to lose weight.
- Drugs: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen may be able to reduce your pain. Stronger dosages may require a prescription, however both medications are available without a prescription. Discuss this option with your provider if you have a history of stomach ulcers, renal illness, or liver disease.
- Dietary supplements: Glucosamine is one dietary supplement that may help reduce discomfort. Prior to using any over-the-counter supplements, see your doctor.
- Topical therapies: In order to help relieve pain, your doctor might advise topical treatments like gels or ointments that you can apply to the skin over the injured joint area. Some of these might be available over-the-counter, or your doctor might write a prescription for you.
In the event that none of the drugs or therapies relieve your pain, your doctor might recommend:
- Supportive devices to help support your joint and permit ease of movement, such as a brace, cane, or orthotic in your shoe.
- To assist gradually reduce discomfort and increase flexibility, a well-rounded exercise program should be combined with physical or occupational therapy.
- Antidepressants to enhance slumber.
- Steroids are frequently injected into your joint to relieve pain and swelling temporarily.
- Painkillers to lessen discomfort.
An important message
See your healthcare practitioner if you've been suffering from joint discomfort. They will try to figure out what's going on by probing you with a lot of inquiries. After a little while and some trial and error, you ought to start to feel some relief and be able to resume your favorite activities.