Joint pain - Balanced You

Joint pain refers to discomfort, aches, or soreness in any of the body's joints. Joints are points where two or more bones meet, such as in the knees, hips, shoulders, or fingers. Joint pain can range from mild to severe, coming on suddenly or slowly over time. Some common causes of joint pain include:

• Arthritis
  • Osteoarthritis - Most common type of arthritis. Occurs when cartilage breaks down over time.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis - Autoimmune condition causing inflammation in joint linings.
• Injuries or trauma - Sprains, fractures, dislocations
• Overuse - Repeated movements that put strain on joints
• Inflammation - Swelling of joint tissues

Joint pain symptoms include:

• Stiffness after inactivity or waking up
• Swelling around joints
• Redness around joints
• Difficulty moving affected joints
• Tenderness when pressure is applied

Risk factors include older age, obesity, joint injury, overuse, genetics, and other conditions. Joint pain can greatly impact one's quality of life by limiting mobility and activity. So what helps ease joint pain?

• Apply ice or heat to affected joints
• Try OTC pain medications - acetaminophen, NSAIDs
• Exercise to build muscle strength around joints
• Maintain healthy weight to reduce strain on joints
• Use assistive devices - cane, brace, walker
• Consider supplements - glucosamine, chondroitin
• Discuss prescription anti-inflammatory meds with your doctor
• Explore steroid injections or physical therapy if pain persists
• Joint replacement surgery for severe, debilitating joint damage

The specific treatment that will work best depends on the underlying cause and severity of your joint pain. Consulting an orthopedist or rheumatologist at Balanced You can help diagnose the pain and guide appropriate treatment options. Don't hesitate to seek medical advice if joint pain is affecting your regular activities. Catching and addressing issues early makes a big difference!