Joint Pain – Causes You Might Not Have Known

Joints are the connecting elements of your bones. It is crucial for the functioning of your body that you can move freely. The most important joints are the hips, knees, elbows, and shoulders. Many suffer from joint pain, which can badly affect their ability for daily activities. Most of the medical clinics in OKC have special sections to treat joint pains.

Joint pain refers to any joint discomfort or distress and can arise for several reasons. The main ones are:

Arthritis

In most cases, arthritis is the cause of pain inside several joints. There are two types of arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis. About one-third of adults have osteoarthritis, which deteriorates over time due to repetitive movement when the cartilage degrades. Cartilage is the protective tissue on the end of the bones. This type usually occurs in the hips, knees, hands, fingers, and backbone. The more common effects of rheumatoid arthritis are seen in women, and it causes chronic inflammation of the joints, especially the hands and feet.

Injury to Joints

The structural components of the affected joint may be compromised or weakened. Bone bruising, bone remodeling, and structural damage, e.g., ligaments or cartilage damage, may occur after joint injury. It can be painful to try normal activities and sometimes have a rest if a joint is compromised. Joint injury can increase the risk of painful arthritis even after it has healed even years later. Common cause include:

• Broken bone

• Avascular necrosis

• Strain

• Dislocation

• Sprain

Joint Infections

Germs (virus, bacteria, and fungus) may be transferred into a joint through the body. Skin, throat, nose, ears or an open wound may help the germ enter the body. An existing infection can spread into a joint articulation. Infectious disease-derived arthritis may develop on the site of an infected joint. This arthritis generally resolves with prompt treatment. The joint damage may be permanent with delayed treatment or no treatment. The warning signs must be recognized.

Tumors

Tumors rarely affect joints, but can occur when the joint lies near a tumor of bone or soft tissue. However, two types of tumors develop in the joints (villonodular synovitis and synovial enchondromatosis). These tumors are usually benign, but their locations make them painful. A joint is usually affected and painful until synovectomy eliminates the tumor.

Weather Change

Our bodies may be affected by the weather. There may be pain as barometric pressure drops. Often before a serious storm, this drop happens. With lower air pressure, the tissue in the body expands, and the joints get more stressed.

Risk Factors of Joint Pain

Symptoms that should be quickly assessed include pain in more than one joint are:

• Joint inflammation, redness, and warmth

• Rashes, black spots, bruises

• Sores in the nose, mouth or the genitals

• Weight loss

• Pain in the chest

• Persistent cough and cold

• Abdominal pain

• Fever, sweats, or chills

• Shortness of breath

Time to See a Doctor

People should immediately go to a medical clinic in OKC with warning signs. Based on the severity and location of the pain, the doctor decides the treatment considering the diagnosis. Typically, a delay of a few days without warning signs does not damage most people.

The options for treatment vary according to the cause of pain determined. Sometimes, you have a doctor who removes fluid from your joints, decreases the pressure, and relieves the pain. Other times, they recommend changes to lifestyle or prescribe certain types of medicines. Your doctor may recommend joint replacement operations in more severe cases.

Do you have joint pain? It’s a nuisance that we understand and want to provide relief. Contact our medical clinic in OKC for Joint Pain.

**Disclaimer: This content should not be considered medical advice and does not imply a doctor-patient relationship.