Joint pain is a serious medical problem that affects the bones and joints of the body. These joints are made up of cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and bursas, which are fluid-filled sacs that surround the joint. The joint capsule also has a synovial membrane lining that secretes synovial fluid to lubricate the joint. Any one of these structures can be damaged, leading to joint pain. In order to find the cause of joint pain, a doctor will need to order X-rays and run blood tests. Fort Myers Sports Medicine-QC Kinetix (Ft. Myers) has some nice tips on this.
If X-rays and blood tests do not reveal any cause, a doctor may recommend further tests. These may include blood tests, X-rays, and ultrasounds. An MRI scan can also help to pinpoint the exact cause of joint pain. In extreme cases, joint pain may require surgery.
Over-the-counter pain relievers may also be used to treat joint pain. These medications will reduce swelling and inflammation, as well as relax muscles. Other forms of treatment may include physical therapy or occupational therapy. Antidepressants can also help reduce joint pain and improve sleep. In severe cases, a doctor may recommend surgery to replace the affected joint with an artificial one.
Various types of arthritis may cause joint pain. These include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and osteoarthritis. These diseases are caused by an imbalance in the body’s immune system, causing the body to attack the joints. Other causes of joint pain include viral infections, overuse, and osteoporosis.
At Regenerative Institute of Newport Beach, we offer a variety of treatments for joint pain. Steroid injections can reduce swelling and inflammation. Some injections may also remove synovial fluid to help promote healing. They can reduce pain and improve mobility for several months. Another treatment is hyaluronic acid injections, which lubricate the joint space. These injections may improve pain and increase mobility for up to four months.
Physical therapy is another common treatment for joint pain. The goal of physical therapy is to recover the joint after injury, and restore strength, stability, and flexibility. A doctor may also recommend surgery or arthroscopy to repair the joint. In some cases, rest and ice can be helpful for joint pain. Additionally, elevating the affected limb can reduce swelling.
Joint pain can be caused by wear and tear, arthritis, or trauma. It can range in severity from minor irritation to a debilitating condition. It may also be triggered by sports injuries, and some forms of it can be chronic. Joint pain is a common medical condition. For example, osteoarthritis affects the wrists, hands, knees, and hips.
The best joint pain treatment will target the underlying cause of the problem. The treatment may include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and other methods that can reduce pain. Depending on the type of arthritis, surgery may be necessary to alleviate symptoms.