Joint pain
Joint pain can affect one or more joints.
While there is no cure for joint pain, you can get relief. The treatments range from changes in your lifestyle, medications, medical equipment and/or surgery.
Lose weight: If you are overweight lose the extra weight. Studies show losing as little as 11 pounds can cut the risk of osteoarthritis of the knee by 50 percent.
Exercise: Get a physical therapist to develop an exercise program that's right for you. Don't get caught in this vicious cycle: Your joint pain prevents you from exercising, then causes your joints to weaken further and your condition to worsen.
40 minutes of exercise at a time -- three or four days a week -- may be advised.
Some suggestions:
Water Workouts, Biking, walking, just low-impact workout's that won't put pressure on your joints.
High-impact exercises like jogging/running should generally be avoided.
Wear good, soft, cushiony shoes.
If you smoke, quit. Smoking affects bone health and your response to treatment.
Joint pain can be caused by many types of injuries or conditions. No matter what the cause is, joint pain can be very troublesome.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes stiffness and pain in the joints.
Osteoarthritis involves growth of bone spurs and degeneration of cartilage at a joint. It is quite common in those over 45 years old and can cause joint pain.
Joint pain may also be caused by bursitis.
A List of Possible Causes:
Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
Bursitis
Chondromalacia patellae
Gout (especially found in the big toe)
Infectious diseases, including
Epstein-Barr viral syndrome
Hepatitis
Influenza
Lyme disease
Measles (rubeola)
Mumps
Parvovirus
Rheumatic fever
Rubella (German measles)
Varicella (chickenpox)
Injury, including fracture
Osteoarthritis
Osteomyelitis
Septic arthritis
Tendinitis
Unusual exertion or overuse, including strains or sprains
When should I contact my doctor?
When you have fever not associated with the flu.
When you have lost 10 pounds or more without trying.
When your joint pain lasts for over 3 days.
When you have severe, unexplained joint pain, especially if you have other unexplained symptoms.
Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask you about your medical history.
The following questions may help identify the cause of your joint pain:
Which joint hurts? Is the pain on one side or both sides?
How long have you been having this pain? Have you had it before?
Did this pain begin suddenly and severely, or slowly and mildly?
Is the pain constant or does it come and go? Has the pain become more severe?
What started your pain?
Have you injured your joint?
Have you had an illness or fever?
Does resting the joint reduce the pain or make it worse?
Does moving the joint reduce the pain or make it worse?
Are certain positions comfortable? Does keeping the joint elevated help?
Do medications, massage, or applying heat reduce the pain?
What other symptoms do you have?
Is there any numbness?
Can you bend and straighten the joint? Does the joint feel stiff?
Are your joints stiff in the morning? If so, how long does the stiffness last?
What makes the stiffness better?
Tests that may be done include:
CBC or blood differential
Joint x-ray
Physical therapy for muscle and joint rehabilitation may be recommended.
A procedure called arthrocentesis may be needed to remove fluid from the sore joint.
