What is Joint pain?
Joint pain refers to discomfort, aches, and soreness in any of the body's joints. Joints are places where two bones meet, such as the knees, hips, shoulders and elbows.
Joint pain can range from mild to severe. It may come on suddenly or slowly over time. The pain may stay in one place or spread through the joint. Some common causes include:
- Arthritis - inflammation and swelling of the joint. The two most common types that cause joint pain are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Injuries - sprains, strains, dislocations, and fractures can lead to joint pain.
- Repetitive movements - certain hobbies, jobs or sports that repeatedly use the same joint can irritate it over time.
- Infection - viruses and bacteria can infect the tissues and fluid inside joints.
- Autoimmune disorders like lupus and psoriasis.
- Crystal deposits - gout results from a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints.
The main symptom is aching, tenderness, and stiffness around a joint. You may also experience:
A doctor will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. They may order imaging tests like an X-ray, MRI or CT scan to get a look at the joint structure. Blood tests can check for things like rheumatoid arthritis, gout or infection. Doctors also assess the joint fluid or tissue in some cases.
Treatments focus on relieving pain, improving mobility, and slowing disease progression. Options may include:
Lifestyle changes like regular exercise, weight loss and rest can also help manage joint discomfort. Consider consulting with the hormone optimization experts at