Experiencing joint pain can be pretty uncomfortable because it does not only reduce your quality of life but also affect how you participate in your daily chores. For this reason, most people choose to rest and avoid tasks to reduce joint movements to alleviate pain. Others keep taking medications prescribed to them by their physicians for symptomatic relief because there is no cure for joint pain. Adhering to the drug regimen is essential for optimal comfort and results. Usually, there are various ways of alleviating joint pain like physiotherapy, exercises, hot or cold compresses, or medications. Therefore, if you are experiencing joint pain and seek relief, the Hamilton Interventional Pain Management Associates and specialists provide a solution to all your concerns. They are experts in identifying the underlying cause of joint pain, which is essential because it ensures the proper treatment is used to provide relief. Below is all you need to know concerning joint pain.
What is joint pain?
The primary function of joints is to connect two bones. A joint comprises tendons, bones, ligaments, cartilage, and muscles. In some cases, joint pain can be mild and not bother you, but in other circumstances might be moderate or severe, causing a lot of discomfort. You are required to seek medical attention to find relief.
What are the symptoms of joint pain?
The symptoms of joint pain include swelling, limited mobility, sharp pain, stiffness, dull aching, decreased range of motion, or stiffness. Similarly, joint pain can also affect your neck, knees, shoulders, knees, or hips, among other joints, thus reducing the range of motion of affected joints thus preventing you from performing your tasks effectively.
What are common risk factors for joint pain?
Some examples of risk factors and causes of joint pain include old age, osteoporosis, sports injuries, arthritis, work-related injuries, other diseases, fractures, obesity, sprains, lack of physical activity, inflammation, tendinitis, and rotator cuff injuries, MCL or ACL injuries, or dislocation. In some cases, joint pain can go away, but in other instances, it requires medical intervention to get relief.
How does your care provider diagnose the cause of your joint pain?
Your caregiver begins by reviewing your symptoms, checking your vital signs and medical history, and performing a complete physical examination. They also focus on painful and stiff joints. Some tests like urine tests, complete blood tests, MRIs, X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, or other imaging tests to help develop a final diagnosis help develop an effective treatment plan.
What are common treatments available for joint pain?
Treatment options available include:
- Home remedies
Hot or ice packs, resting, or putting on braces are some home practices that can help alleviate pain.
- Medications
Medication helps alleviate pain and inflammation, which might cause pain. Others are helping reduce the progression of arthritis and painful joints.
- Injections
Some injections can be administered directly into the affected joints to relieve pain and inflammation. They can also stimulate your body to heal and produce new cells. Examples of injections available include platelet-rich plasma, cortisone injections, or hyaluronic acid.
Joint pain affects how you participate in your daily chores, thus reducing your productivity. Therefore, if you are experiencing joint pain and seek relief, you can start by calling Interventional Pain Management Associates today.
