Why are joints important? Joints play a vital role in the human body because they serve as the connecting point between the bones. Joints provide flexibility, movement, and sturdiness in the bones. When joints are damaged, infected, or worn out, extreme pain will surely be felt. Joint pain is a very common medical condition, but in order to ensure one's health and safety, he/she must contact a doctor for proper diagnosis.

Here are some common conditions which lead to pain in the joints:

Osteoarthritis

One of the most common kinds of arthritis, osteoarthritis is caused by the degrading of joints due to old age. In this condition, the cartilage which protects the bone is deteriorating, causing extreme pain and stiffness.

Tendinitis

Tendons join the muscles and the bones. If tendons are injured, irritated, or losing elasticity, it leads to inflammation called tendinitis. Pain in the joints is one of the primary symptoms of this medical condition.

Bursitis

This condition occurs when sacks of synovial fluids are suffering from inflammation due to excessive pressure from injuries. Often seen in knees and elbows, bursitis can also lead to extreme pain in the joints.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

One of the worst cases of arthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis can cause anemia and infections in other organs in the body. While it primarily attacks the synovial joints in the body, one of the first symptoms of this condition is pain in the joints.

Gout

Gouts are often associated with big toes. This condition is caused by a swollen joint. Redness, swelling of the joints and pain are the symptoms of gout. Fever and fatigue also occurs.

Sprains

Sprains occur if ligaments are injured. Often caused by accidents, one of the most noticeable symptoms of sprains are joint pains.

Infectious Diseases

Joint pain can also be caused by serious bacterial and viral infections. In order to secure one's health, people should contact their doctors if they have painful joints because it might be a symptom of infectious diseases such as Rubella, German measles, Chicken Pox, Flu, Hepatitis, and other medical infections.

Treatment

Joint pain can be treated using different measure and a variety of medicines. The most popular medication in joint pain are painkillers such aspirin, acetaminophen, and COX-2 and NSAID medicines. In some scenarios, topical medicines and injections are also used to lessen the pain in joints.

Physical therapy is another best way in treating painful joints. Special exercises are designed in order to improve and strengthen the muscles in joints. Manipulation of the nerves, water therapy, modern ultrasound techniques, and even hot and cold therapy are also used in treating joint pains.

Home Treatment

Remedies for painful joints are also present in one's home. People should always be ready for accidents, physical disorders, and other medical conditions that can cause pain in the joints. Home treatments such as massage, stretching, and proper rest can ease the pain for common joint pains. Putting a brace or a hot compress to a painful joint is also advised. Taping and splinting the joint also helps because it minimizes the exerted movement in the area, thus minimizing the pain.