Damage to joints from everyday use is a common cause of discomfort in those areas. But it may also indicate an infection or the onset of a devastating form of rheumatoid arthritis.
Overview
Your body's joints are the points at which individual bones articulate with one another. Joints allow the bones of your skeleton to move. Joints include:
• shoulders
• hips
• elbows
• knees
Pain in the joints, whether it be the fingers, toes, hips, knees, or back, is a frequent ailment. Pain might be intermittent or persistent. The joint might get stiff, achy, and painful at times. Some patients report a "grating" or "burning" feeling. Additionally, morning stiffness is common, although the joint usually loosens up and feels better after some light activity. On the other hand, pushing through the discomfort with too much exercise is not a good idea.
Pain in a joint might make it difficult to move that joint, thus limiting the person's ability to perform daily activities. In extreme cases, joint discomfort might even compromise one's ability to function normally. The patient's activities and abilities, not just the pain itself, should be the primary focus of treatment.
Causes
The most common causes of chronic pain in joints are:
Osteoarthritis- a common type of arthritis, happens over time when the cartilage, the protective cushion in between the bones, wears away. The joints become painful and stiff. Osteoarthritis develops slowly and usually occurs during middle age.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that causes swelling and pain in the joints. Often the joints become deformed (usually occurring in the fingers and wrists).
Gout is a painful condition where crystals from the body collect in the joint, causing severe pain and swelling. This usually occurs in the big toe.
Bursitis is caused by overuse. It is usually found in the hip, knee, elbow, or shoulder.
Viral infections, rash, or fever may make joint movement painful.
Injuries, such as broken bones or sprains
Tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendons or the flexible bands that connect bone and muscle. It is typically seen in the elbow, heel, or shoulder and is usually caused by overuse.
Treatment
Healthcare for the Homebound
The medical community agrees that both OA and RA are chronic diseases. It is important to note that there is presently no medication that may permanently alleviate arthritis-related joint discomfort. While discomfort is inevitable, it can be alleviated in a number of ways.
A topical pain reliever or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine may help alleviate discomfort.
Maintain a moderate workout regimen and keep up your active lifestyle. If you want to keep your joint mobility in good shape, stretching before you work out is a must.
Your weight needs to be within a healthy range for optimal health. Consequently, joint pressure will be reduced.
Nonprescription anti-inflammatory drugs, massage, a hot bath, frequent stretching, and lots of rest can all help ease pain in the absence of arthritis.
Medical
If you can determine what's causing your discomfort, you'll have more alternatives for therapy. To rule out infection, gout, or other possible reasons for your joint discomfort, your doctor may need to drain the fluid that has built up in your joint. They may also suggest a joint replacement operation.
You may also be able to put your RA into remission with the help of nonsurgical treatments like a change in your lifestyle or medication. Your doctor's first order of business in treating RA will be to reduce inflammation. After your RA has gone into remission, your medical care will center on keeping your symptoms under control to prevent recurrences
Outlook
Damage to joints from everyday use is a common cause of discomfort in those areas. But it may also indicate an infection or the onset of a devastating form of rheumatoid arthritis.
If your joints hurt for no apparent reason, and the discomfort persists after a few days, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor. The source of your pain can be effectively treated if its presence is quickly identified and diagnosed.
Sources
Osteoarthritis. (2019). rheumatology.org/I-Am-A/Patient-Caregiver/Diseases-Conditions/Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis. (n.d.). arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/rheumatoid-arthritis/
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Orth Info. Osteoarthritis. (https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/osteoarthritis/)
American Academy of Family Physicians. What You Should Know About Osteoarthritis. (https://www.aafp.org/afp/2012/0101/p57.html)
International Association For The Study of Pain. Treating People With Joint Pain. (https://s3.amazonaws.com/rdcms-iasp/files/production/public/Content/ContentFolders/GlobalYearAgainstPain2/2016/FactSheets/English/1.%20Patients%20and%20Joint%20Pain.pdf)
Merck Manual. Joint Pain: Many Joints (Polyarticular Joint Pain). (https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/bone,-joint,-and-muscle-disorders/symptoms-of-musculoskeletal-disorders/joint-pain-many-joints) .
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