Joints refer to all the parts in your body where the bones meet. These joints can allow the skeleton bones to move. Therefore, joints include elbows, hips, knees, and shoulders. When it comes to joint pain, it means you are feeling discomfort, soreness, and aches in any of your body’s joints. While joint is usually a common complaint, it doesn’t normally need a hospital visit. However, sometimes, joint pain can be due to an illness or injury. This article discusses the different ways you can reduce joint pain.
Causes of joint pain
One of the common causes of pains in joints is arthritis. There are two types of arthritis known as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Several studies suggest that osteoarthritis is common in many adults aged 40 years and above.
This health condition can progress slowly and usually affects commonly used joints, such as hands, knees, hips, and wrists. Remember that joint pain caused by osteoarthritis can lead to breaking down of cartilage that work as a cushion as well as shock absorber for these joints.
On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis that affects both men and women may deform and debilitate your joints in the long run. This condition leads to inflammation, pain, and fluid buildup in your joints while the immune system can attack the membrane lining the joints.
Joint pains can also be caused by lupus, bursitis, certain infectious diseases like influenza and mumps, an injury, overuse of a joint, and many more. As you can see, there are various things that can cause joint pain, so you may need to a Pedorthist for help.
Treating a joint pain
Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis are considered to be chronic conditions. Unfortunately, there is treatment that is currently available to completely get rid of the joint pain related to arthritis. The good news is that there are various ways you can manage the pain.
Therefore, if you have joint pain, it’s a good idea to utilize a topical pain reliever. You can also take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine to reduce swelling, pain, and inflammation.
You also need to be physically active and try to follow a fitness program that focuses on moderate exercise. Even better, you can stretch before doing an exercise to have a good range of motion in the joints.
Some experts also say it’s important to keep your body weight in a healthy range. This can reduce stress on your joints. However, if the pain you are feeling is not due to arthritis, then it makes sense to take a nonprescription and anti-inflammatory drug. You can also get a massage, take a bath, stretch regularly, and get enough rest.
If you decide to take treatment for the joint pain, the treatment options can depend on what is causing the pain. But when it comes to nonsurgical treatment, they can include medications or lifestyle change. Your doctor can be in a good position to let you know the best treatment for your joint pain including the joint renewal procedure.