Pain Edu: Joint Pain

What is joint pain?

Arthralgia or joint pain will be experienced by most people at some point in their lives as there are so many causes. Injuries, inflammatory and non-inflammatory joint disorders, systemic illness, or simple wear and tear over time all may be sources of pain in discomfort in your joints. Injuries to areas around the joints, such as tendons or bones, can also be contributing factors.

Pain Edu: Intro To Joint Pain

Are you experiencing pain or swelling in your joints? Click on this quick video to learn more about joint pain, its causes, and steps you can take to decrease your pain.

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The main types of joint pain

Rheumatoid Arthritis

With RA a person's immune system becomes overactive and attacks attacks healthy tissue, primarily the lining of the joints. With time the inflammation caused by such attacks break down and damage the joint permanently.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis

When the protective cartilage wears down OA occurs. Over time the bones of the joints may rub together causing severe pain.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that when affecting the joints causes arthritis. There is no cure for psoriasis but with treatment pain can be relieved.

Bursitis

Bursitis in an inflammation of the sacs of lubricating fluid that cushion the areas surrounding your joints. It most commonly affects the shoulder, elbow, and hip.

Tendon Tears

Tendon Tears

Tendon tears occur when a traumatic event has occurred to the joint. Patellar Tendon Tears are the most common as the knee is such a predominant joint. Tears are painful and debilitating.

Sacroiliac Joint Pain

SI joint pain is felt in the lower back and is often mistaken for a herniated disk or hip problems. There are many causes, such as arthritis, referred pain, or tailbone injury.

What can you do about painful joints?

The first step is to consult with your doctor about your symptoms and discuss their recommendations for treatment. They may prescribe medications to treat your symptoms and place restrictions on your diet and specific activities. For now the following may provide you with some relief.

1

Exercise

In the case of arthritis exercising through the pain has two main benefits. The first is strengthening the muscles around the joint to protect and prevent the inflammation from getting worse. It also helps keep off excess weight gain.

2

cold packs

Apply cold packs to joints to reduce the inflammation and swelling. Only apply ice packs in 15 minute intervals to avoid damaging surrounding tissue.

3

Diet

Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce stress on your joints. You may try including more omega-3 rich fatty acids to your diet to reduce joint stiffness and turmeric for its anti-inflammatory properties.

4

Physical therapy

In physical therapy joints that have been weakened or damaged can be treated with strengthening work. We will instruct you on optimal stretches and exercises to improve your range of motion by restoring strength and reducing pain and stiffness.

Stretches and Exercises for Joint Pain

The following are just a few exercises that you can try to help decrease the pain in specific joints. Please consult your physician before trying these, and stop if you experience any pain or discomfort.

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Pain Edu: Joint Pain