What causes joint pain?
Joints are complex structures, so there are a number of things that can lead to inflammation and pain. Joints consist of more than just intersecting bone, too. There is cartilage, ligaments, tendons and muscles that support the bone and they are often the source of the pain.
The most common problem, though, is arthritis. It is a condition that can affect most joints in the body, so just generic pain often leads to this diagnosis. Some other possible causes include:
- Bursitis
- Gout
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Lupus
- Lyme disease
- Sprain
- Strain
- Tendonitis
Joint pain may even be a symptom of a serious condition such as cancer or leukemia. It may also indicate a previously undiagnosed injury.
Does all joint pain require medical treatment?
Pain is a sign of an underlying problem. While you might overlook minor twinges to see if they heal on their own, there is no reason to live with chronic or extreme pain. Make sure to get an evaluation if you see:
Joints that freeze up or feel unstable need treatment as well. Other symptoms, like a fever or general malaise, along with joint pain may indicate a more serious underlying condition and shouldn't be ignored. If in doubt, it is always best to seek medical care to avoid a serious injury or prolonged recovery period.
What are some treatment options for joint pain relief?
The treatment plan will depend on a number of factors including which joint is causing the pain and why. Any appointment for joint pain at Move Well MD will start with an evaluation to determine the potential cause. Dr. Gruen will also go over things like family history and daily habits looking for potential problems.
Most treatments could involve chiropractic care, innovative healing options such as stem cell therapy and physical therapy. They might require making some lifestyle changes to accommodate the injury and prevent further damage to the joint.
Are there risk factors for joint pain?
This is a problem that could affect anyone, but there are common risk factors including:
- Excessive weight
- Family history
- Job
- Fitness level
- Activities
- Previous injuries
- Age
Joint pain is a broad topic, so there are many different possible risk factors. That's why seeing someone to get a proper diagnosis and care plan is so important, especially for patients with chronic pain.
At Move Well MD in Manhattan located in the downtown financial district of lower Manhattan, NY, NY 10038, we use an integrated system of care to relieve pain, improve range of motion and help you to move well again! We are just a few short path train stops away from Hoboken, NJ and Jersey City, NJ.
