Overview
There are more than 100 million Americans who suffer from knee and joint pain daily. Half of all anti-inflammatory prescriptions written and 25% of all visits to primary care physicians are due to knee pain. Joints are the support systems of the body that help you move. When damage develops to these areas, range-of-motion is restricted and pain ensues. Pain can arise from the ligaments, cartilage, and bones within the joint. While there are many causes of joint pain, patients may be surprised to learn that something seemingly unrelated, like a sexually transmitted disease, can lead to joint pain. Patients suffering from joint pain should schedule an appointment with a Southwest Spine and Pain Center to find long-term relief.
Causes
Several conditions, lifestyle factors, and injuries can lead to joint pain. The most common cause of joint pain is an injury that affects the ligaments, bursae, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, or bones within the joint. Joint pain may also be caused by an inflammatory or degenerative condition, such as arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or osteoarthritis. In rare instances, patients may develop pain from an infection or cancerous tumor within the joint. As we mentioned previously, it is possible for underlying conditions to cause joint pain, such as a sexually transmitted disease like chlamydia and gonorrhea. Patients should go over their medical history with a Southwest Spine and Pain Center physician to determine the possible causes of joint pain.
Symptoms
Joint pain can produce a number of uncomfortable symptoms, resulting in limited mobility and a reduced range of motion. Patients with joint pain may experience redness, swelling, and warmth around the affected joint. The painful joint may also be tender to the touch, causing various aches and pains. Joint damage in the lower extremities can cause the patient to limp and make changes in the way they get from point A to point B. For example, patients may choose taking an elevator over the stairs. Other symptoms of joint pain include locking of the joint, stiffness, and weakness.
Treatments
Patients with mild cases of joint pain may benefit from conservative therapies such as rest, ice, elevation, and over-the-counter pain relievers. If these methods fail to provide adequate pain relief, patients may want to consider interventional pain therapy to relieve their symptoms of discomfort. A Southwest Spine and Pain Center physician may suggest a steroid injection, nerve blocks, pain medications, or regenerative medicine. For the last-mentioned treatment, regenerative medicine in the form of platelet-rich plasma injections and stem cell therapy can be incredibly beneficial in repairing the damage within the joint that’s causing the pain to begin with. Talk to a Southwest Spine and Pain Center physician to learn more about your treatment options for joint pain.