What is joint pain?
The joints contain cartilage, bone, tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Pain in the joints can refer to discomfort or inflammation in any part of the joint. However, the most common joint pain is due to arthritis or arthralgia, which is pain or inflammation of the joint itself.
Advanced Sports & Spine offers joint pain treatment in Charlotte. When it comes to treating joint conditions, we utilize an integrative, holistic approach to pain management. Dr. Ahmad offers non-opioid, non-surgical treatment options, including regenerative medicine, when creating custom treatment plans.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW
Causes of Joint Pain
Our joints have an important role in helping our bodies move in many ways. Some joints open and close, like the knee and elbow. Others allow for moving forward, backward, side to side, or in a rotating motion.
As a result of these movements and motions, overuse injuries, such as tendonitis or stress fractures, are common. Overuse combined with wear and tear from age increases the risk of osteoarthritis in the joints. Additionally, traumatic injuries, such as sports-related injuries, lead to broken bones, sprains, strains, and dislocations.
BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOWJoint pain may be caused by injuries, overuse, or wear and tear.
The bursa are small, fluid-filled sacs that help cushion the tissues of the body. They are located around the larger joints. Bursitis involves the inflammation of the bursa and often occurs at the joints that perform repetitive motions. Symptoms of bursitis include pain, swelling, and stiffness which may subside with rest, ice, pain relievers, or injections, if necessary.
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by wear and tear on the joints that allows the bones to rub against each other. Common causes are age, weight, heredity, gender, repetitive injuries, athletics, or certain illnesses. Osteoarthritis affects the joints; the knee is the most commonly impacted joint. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disorder that causes pain, stiffness, and swollen joints.
Osteoporosis is a disease that leads to weak, brittle bones. With this disease, the body does not replenish or create new bone as old bone tissue is absorbed or removed. The result is less bone mass or strength which leads to fractures. Treatments may include a healthy diet, exercise, and medications.
Gout is another form of arthritis which is characterized by joint pain, swelling, and redness. When excess uric acid crystallizes and builds up in the joints, it causes severe pain, particularly in the big toe or foot. Gout attacks can come on suddenly. Treatment includes diet, exercise, pain relievers, and medications.
A joint sprain involves overstretching or tearing the ligaments; strains involve the muscles or tendons. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and limited mobility. Sprains and strains are common injuries caused by overextension, an improper landing, or a blow to a joint. Proper stretching and strengthening exercises can help strengthen the joints to prevent sprains and strains.
When a tendon swells after an injury, it leads to tendonitis. Common symptoms of tendonitis include pain, swelling, and mobility issues. Mild tendonitis can be treated with rest and over-the-counter pain relievers at home. More severe conditions may require medical interventions.
About Treatments for Joint Pain
Joint pain has various causes including age, wear and tear, and overuse. Accidental and sports injuries can also lead to joint pain.
At our pain management practice in Charlotte, NC, we offer several different options for treating joint pain. However, first we must diagnose the cause of your pain. Once the root of your joint pain has been determined, we can create an appropriate treatment plan. Treatments may include injections, medications, weight management, physical therapy, or lifestyle changes to reduce or eliminate joint pain.
Joint pain may range from mild to severe depending on the cause. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, joint stiffness, redness, warmth, and limited mobility.
Pain tolerance varies from patient to patient. However, if you have tried at-home therapies such as rest, ice, and pain relievers without success, contact your physician for an evaluation. Severe or chronic joint pain, pain that doesn’t go away with at-home therapy, or pain that limits your mobility require medical treatment. The goal of treatment is reducing your pain and improving your quality of life.
If you have tried to treat your joint pain with rest, ice, and pain relievers and your pain has not subsided, contact your pain management physician. Additionally, you should contact your doctor if you have new or worsening symptoms or pain that affects your range of motion. An evaluation is necessary to determine the underlying cause of your joint pain.
Joint damage may be caused by injuries or underlying diseases. Common joint diseases or disorders include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis, gout, lupus, and bursitis. If you think you have signs or symptoms of a joint disorder, contact your physician for an assessment.
Joint pain or injuries may occur from time to time, especially if you are involved in sports. Joint pain is commonly caused by overuse or injuries. In many cases, the pain subsides with general rest or over-the-counter therapies. However, severe or lingering pain from an injury should be addressed as should any new or worsening pain that does not have a known cause.
Schedule an appointment with your pain management team to determine the cause and treatment for your joint pain.
