Joint pain: definition, causes, types & treatment

 What is joint pain?

As we know, Joints make connections between bones. And they provide support and help you move forward. Any damage to the joints from illness or injury can hinder your movement and that becomes cause a lot of pain.

 

Types of Joint pain

One of the most common causes of joint pain is arthritis. That’s why here are the types of arthritis which become a cause of joint pain.

1.        Ankylosing spondylitis                            2.        Gout

3.        Juvenile idiopathic arthritis                   4.        Osteoarthritis

5.        Psoriatic arthritis                                     6.        Reactive arthritis

7.        Rheumatoid arthritis                               8.        Septic arthritis

9.        Thumb arthritis

 

What would cause joint pain?

Joint pain is extremely common, especially as you age. It has been shown in a national survey, nearly a third of adults reported having joint pain within the past 30 days. Knee pain was the most common complaint, followed by shoulder and hip pain. But joint pain can affect any part of your body, from the ankles and feet to the shoulders and hands.

A wide range of conditions can lead to painful joints:

• ·        Osteoarthritis, a "wear, and tear" disease is the most common type of arthritis.
• ·        Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when your body            attacks its own tissues.
• ·        Bursitis occurs when the sac of fluid that helps cushion your joints becomes              inflamed.
• ·        Gout is a form of arthritis that most often affects the joint of your big toe.
• ·        Strains, sprains, and other injuries.

Often, the pain may come with swelling and inflammation, stiffness, and loss of range of motion.

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What are the symptoms of joint pain?

Symptoms of joint pain range from mild to disabling. Without cartilage, bones rub directly against each other when the joint is moving. Symptoms may include:

• ·        Swelling
• ·        Hard joint
• ·        Numbness
• ·        Noisy joints, or clicking, grinding or snapping sounds when the joint is moved
• ·        Painful movement
• ·        Difficulty flexing or straightening the joint
• ·        Loss of speed

A red and hot and swollen joint (this should be evaluated quickly by a doctor)

What is the joint pain treatment?

Although there can be no cure for pain, it can provide relief to the patient. Sometimes pain can be relieved by taking over-the-counter medications, or by doing simple daily exercises. Other times, there may be pain signaling problems that can only be corrected with prescription medicine or surgery.

Simple home remedies, such as applying a heating pad or ice to the affected area, may be suggested for short periods of time, several times a day. Soaking in a hot bathtub can also provide relief.

Exercise can help regain strength and function. Walking, swimming, or other low-impact aerobic exercise is best. People who participate in strenuous workouts or sports activities may need to reduce it or start a low-impact workout routine. Gentle stretching exercises will also help. Check with a doctor before starting or continuing any exercise program. If necessary, weight loss may also be suggested to reduce stress on the joints.

Acetaminophen, (Tylenol®) or anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen), can help reduce pain. Both of these drugs are available over the counter, but higher doses may require a prescription. If you have a history of stomach ulcers, kidney disease, or liver disease, check with your doctor to see if it is a good option for you.

Topical treatments, such as ointments or gels that can be rubbed into the skin over the affected joint area, can also help reduce pain. Some of these can be found over the counter, or a doctor can write a prescription.

Dietary supplements such as glucosamine can help relieve pain. Ask a doctor before taking any over-the-counter supplement. If those medications or treatments don't ease the pain, a doctor may prescribe:

Accessories in shoes, such as a brace, cane, or orthotic device, can help support the joints to make movement easier. A doctor, physical or occupational therapist or social worker will be able to assist with the right option(s) available.

Physical or occupational therapy, along with a balanced fitness program, can help to gradually reduce pain and improve flexibility.

Antidepressants may be prescribed to help improve sleep for a patient suffering from joint pain.

Steroids, often given by injection into the joint, provide short-term relief from pain and swelling.

Pain relievers that help reduce pain

Please note that medications, even those available over the counter, affect people differently. What helps one person may not work for another. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions carefully when taking any medicine, and let him know if you have any side effects.

 

What is joint pain medicine?

For moderate to severe joint pain with inflammation, over-the-counter or prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Tapentadol, Carisoprodol, ibuprofen, or naproxen, may provide relief. They are the medications for different- different types of pain like: Pain due to neuropathic disorder, Pain due to injury and surgery.

If you have mild pain without any swelling, acetaminophen may be effective. However, be careful when taking this medicine, especially if you drink alcohol, as high doses can cause liver damage. Because of the risks, you should take any of these painkillers with caution or you can consult with your doctor about it before taking any medicine out of it.

 

Home care medicine:

You can use some simple techniques at home. As has been shown below:-

1.     Protect the joint with a brace or wrap.
2.     Rest the joints, avoiding any activity that causes you pain.
3.     Apply ice to the joint for about 15 minutes several times each day.
4.     Compress the joint using an elastic wrap.
5.     Elevate the joint above the level of your heart.

Applying ice to your aching joints can help relieve pain and swelling. For muscle spasms around joints, try using a heating pad or wrap several times a day. Your doctor may recommend that you tape or splint the joint to reduce movement or pain, but avoid immobilizing the joint for too long as it can eventually become stiff and lose function.

 

Alternative treatment of joint Pain

Some research shows that glucosamine and chondroitin supplements may help with joint pain and improve function. Both of these substances are components of normal cartilage, which helps cushion bones and protect joints.

Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are available in capsules, tablets, powders, Or liquid form. Although these supplements do not work for everyone, they are safe to try because they do not cause any significant side effects.

 

What are joint pain supplements?

They are the supplements you can start having at your home without any side effects. Because these supplements are without any side effects.

1.    Vitamin D

Scientists studying rheumatoid arthritis have found that people who have the condition are often deficient in vitamin D. Low levels of this essential nutrient can lead to chronic pain. When you take it as a supplement, it can help your arthritis treatment work well.

2.    Turmeric

This spice gives curry its yellow color. It may also give you some pain relief. A chemical in turmeric called curcumin inhibits certain proteins that can cause inflammation. Over time, this can reduce joint pain and help you walk better.

3.    Boswellia

Also called Indian frankincense, this plant extract has been part of African and Asian folk medicine for centuries. The active ingredient in Boswellia may help with pain and improve the range of motion in your joints. Research also shows that it can slow the loss of cartilage.

4.    Borage oil

This extract from the seeds of the borage plant is high in gamma-linoleic acid, a fatty acid that fights inflammation in the body. Daily borage oil supplements may help treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and may also reduce the dose of your prescription treatment for joint pain and swelling.

5.    Fish oil/omega-3s

These amber-colored oily supplements block proteins and fatty acids that can increase inflammation. Your body turns them into anti-inflammatory chemicals called resolving that can help relieve joint stiffness and tenderness.

What kind of doctor is special for joint pain?

Rheumatologists specialize in arthritis and diseases that involve the bones, muscles, and joints. They are trained to diagnose and treat all types of arthritis difficult, especially those that require complex treatment. If you have one type of degenerative arthritis, you may be referred to an orthopedist.