When two bones come into contact, they form a joint that connects the skeletal system. Any joint damage brought on by trauma, injury or disease can limit an individual’s range of motion and cause discomfort.
This article will serve as your helpful guide to joint pain – including its causes, symptoms and treatment options.
Types of joints
Before we delve deeper to learn more about joint pain, it is crucial to first understand the various types of joints. Joints can be classified as fibrous, cartilaginous, or synovial.
Usually, fibrous joints cannot be moved. The joints in the jaw between the teeth and the sockets, and the joints in the lower leg are some examples of fibrous joints. Cartilaginous joints are two bones joined by cartilage. These joints can move partially. Lastly, synovial joints allow the limbs to move freely. The knee, elbow, hip, and shoulder are a few examples.
Causes of joint pain
Joint pain is a type of musculoskeletal pain that often feels like an aching discomfort or heated throbbing sensation. The most common types of joint pain experienced are knee, hip and shoulder pain. However, with that being said, joint discomfort can affect any area of your body, including your hands, shoulders, and even your ankles and feet.
Some potential causes of joint pain include, but are not limited to:
Osteoarthritis: a common kind of arthritis that develops over time when the cartilage, the cushioning material between the bones, deteriorates. This will result in the joints starting to hurt and stiffen. Osteoarthritis usually occurs in middle age and progresses slowly.
Rheumatoid arthritis: a persistent condition that makes the joints swell and hurt (usually occurring in the fingers and wrists).
Strains, sprains and other injuries (such as falls, accidents and more) that may cause trauma to the joint.
Tendinitis: an inflammation of the tendons that is frequently brought on by overuse and typically manifests in the elbow, heel, or shoulder.
Symptoms of joint pain
How do you know if you are suffering from joint pain? Well, some of the common symptoms include:
Tenderness and/or swelling in the joint
Stiffness in the joint which could result in limited movement
Weakness in the joint
Fatigue
Fever (with no other signs of the flu)
Treatment for joint pain
Joint pain can range in severity from mild to debilitating. The condition may be brief (acute) or linger for several weeks or months (chronic). Your quality of life can be impacted by joint discomfort and swelling, even for a brief period of time.
Whatever the cause, if your joint pain persists for more than a week or if the joint is completely immobile, it is vital that you consult a professional immediately for treatment. The causes of your pain will determine your treatment options.
If you are suffering from joint pain, do not hesitate to make an appointment with Affinity Pain Clinic for a thorough and balanced assessment. We are a pain management clinic offering evidence-based and cost-effective therapy for a range of pain conditions, including sport injury treatment, musculoskeletal pain treatment, muscle tear treatment in Singapore and more.
To schedule an appointment or consultation with us, feel free to get in touch at enquire@gastapp.org today. Let us help you in your journey to recovery!
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