One of the most common reasons many people seek medical care is for pain associated with one or more joints, the connections between two bones forming a flexible hinge. Joint pain can be due to anything from arthritis to other kinds of inflammatory disease or infection to even an injury. Accurate diagnosis is essential because different types of problems may respond differently to varying types of treatments. You should therefore see Ron Marinaro DC, a joint pain specialist, for proper treatment.
Anyone can get joint pain, but people at higher risk include the elderly, overweight, and those with immune system problems like arthritis or psoriatic disease. Symptoms may include any of the following: redness, warmth, swelling around the joints, stiffness in the morning that can last for up to an hour, and decreased range of motion in the joint. In this article, we look at the different causes of joint pain.
- Bone Injuries
Accidents that injure bones, such as fractures or breaks, also typically cause pain. In some cases, the fracture may not appear on an X-ray until a few days after the accident because of initial swelling around the injury. This delayed appearance is why you need to see your orthopedic surgeon immediately if you suspect a bone injury.
- Inflammatory Diseases
Joints are also susceptible to inflammation of the immune system, known as arthritis or an arthritic condition. Many different types of arthritis cause joint pain, including diseases with specific names such as psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. These conditions tend to run in families and are often inherited. Arthritis can lead to permanent joint damage over time, including bone spurs and a decreased range of motion.
- Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains are the most common types of joint injury, particularly among athletes. Sprains happen when a ligament is overstretched or torn due to a sudden movement that severely twists or pulls it. Strains occur when a muscle or tendon is overstretched or torn due to a sudden movement as well.
- Lack of Use or Overuse
In many cases, joint pain may be related to a lack of use or overuse. This is true for repetitive motions such as typing on a computer keyboard or playing a musical instrument, and also for joints that are held in one position improperly due to weakness from an injury or disease.
- Intense Physical Activity
Finally, joint pain can be caused by intense physical activity such as sports or weightlifting. This type of joint pain is often known as “jumper’s knee” and can affect the back of the knees if you repeatedly jump up and down. Many people try to treat this form of joint pain with over-the-counter pain medications. Still, it may be preferable to prevent it by stretching before engaging in high-impact activities.
In summary, joint pain is a common condition that sends people to the doctor. You can experience joint pain due to different causes such as intense physical activity, lack of use or overuse, and sprains and strains. Injury and inflammatory diseases are also common causes of joint pain.
