What is joint pain?
Joint pain is discomfort affecting one or more joints in the body. A joint is the point where the ends of two or more bones meet. For example, the hip joint is where the femur meets the pelvis.
Joint discomfort is common and is usually felt in the hands, feet, hips, knees, or spine. Joint pain can be constant or intermittent. Sometimes, joints may feel stiff, painful, or swollen. Some people complain of a burning, throbbing, or cracking sensation. Additionally, joints may feel stiff in the morning, but loosen and improve with movement and activity. However, excessive activity may worsen the pain.
What are the main causes of joint pain?
The most common causes of joint pain include:
Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis, a common type of arthritis, occurs over time when cartilage (the protective cushioning between bones) wears away. The joints become painful and stiff. Osteoarthritis develops slowly and usually appears after age 45.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA): RA is a chronic disease that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. The joints often become deformed (usually in the fingers and wrists).
Gout: Gout is a painful condition in which acid crystals from the body accumulate in the joints, causing severe pain and inflammation. This most often occurs in the big toe.
Bursitis: Overuse causes bursitis. It usually occurs in the hip, knee, elbow, or shoulder.
Tendinitis: Tendinitis is the inflammation of the tendons, the flexible bands that connect bone to muscle. It typically occurs in the elbow, heel, or shoulder. Overuse often causes it.
In addition, viral infections, rashes, or fever can cause pain when moving the joints. Injuries, such as fractures or sprains, can also cause joint pain.
What symptoms are associated with joint pain and inflammation?
The symptoms of joint pain and inflammation can vary and depend on the affected joints. Pain and inflammation are often accompanied by stiffness, tenderness, and a feeling of warmth.
In some cases, they can cause difficulty moving, performing daily activities (such as bathing and dressing), and, for some people, even working.
Joint pain and inflammation can improve or worsen at different times of the day. For example, you may notice that joint pain and inflammation are worse in the morning. Joint pain and inflammation can also cause tiredness and fatigue.
How are joint pain and inflammation treated?
Acute joint pain, such as strains and sprains, can usually be relieved with the PRICE method:
- Protect the joint area from further damage or injury.
- Rest the joint: Avoid activities that cause pain.
- Apply ice to the joint for 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours; make sure the ice pack is wrapped so it doesn't touch the skin.
- Compress the joint with a snug, but not too tight, bandage. Elevate the joint above the level of the heart to reduce swelling.
If you suffer from chronic joint pain and swelling, your doctor will diagnose the cause. They will provide a treatment plan, which may include exercise. The best exercises are those that are gentle on the joints. Depending on the cause and the affected joint, these may include swimming, water aerobics, tai chi, cycling, or walking.
Medications such as steroids, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen can sometimes be helpful. For some conditions, your doctor may recommend a steroid injection into the joint or to remove some of the fluid that has built up in it.
How is joint pain diagnosed?
Your doctor will likely perform a physical exam. He or she will also ask you a series of questions about your joint pain. This can help identify possible causes.
An X-ray of the joint may be necessary to identify arthritis-related joint damage.
If your doctor suspects another cause, he or she may order a blood test to check for certain autoimmune diseases. He or she may also order an erythrocyte sedimentation rate test to measure the level of inflammation in the body or a complete blood count.
What surgical options are available to relieve joint pain?
Surgery may be an option if joint pain is chronic and does not improve with medications, physical therapy, or exercise.
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a procedure in which the surgeon makes two or three small cuts (incisions) in the skin overlying the joint. He or she accesses the joint with an arthroscope (a thin, flexible fiberoptic instrument) and repairs the cartilage or removes bone fragments from or near the joint.
Joint Fusion
Joint fusion is a procedure in which the surgeon joins the ends of the bones, eliminating the joint. The surgeon may use plates, screws, pins, or rods to hold the bones in place while they heal. Surgeons frequently perform joint fusions in the hands, ankles, and spine.
Osteotomy
During an osteotomy, the surgeon realigns or reshapes the long bones of the arm or leg to relieve pressure on the damaged part of the joint. This procedure can help relieve pain and restore joint motion.
Joint Replacement
If other treatments are ineffective, joint replacement surgery may be necessary to replace the joint when the cartilage that cushions and protects the ends of the bones wears out. This procedure can be performed on the hip, knee, and shoulder joints. The surgeon removes portions of the bone and implants an artificial joint made of metal or plastic. This procedure has had excellent results, and most patients experience lasting pain relief after this type of surgery.
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