Experiencing Joint Pain? These Conditions Could Be to Blame

Joints are the connections between two bones. They offer support and help you engage in motion. Any joint damage due to an injury or disease can affect your movement and lead to pain. According to statistics, millions of Americans suffer from joint pain, which can be debilitating if left untreated. If you have joint pain, Total Joint Specialists Georgia can help. Your priority should be finding out the underlying condition behind the aching, tender joints so you can get the best treatment. Here is a look at the common conditions that cause joint pain.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is one of the common causes of joint pain. The condition results from the wearing down of the joint linings known as cartilage. Although osteoarthritis can happen in any joint, it often affects the hands, knees, and hips. The common risk factors for osteoarthritis include traumatic injury, osteoarthritis, or lack of exercise. Your doctor might recommend topical anti-inflammatory gels, over-the-counter medications, working out, and losing weight to find relief.

Lupus

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that might affect any part of your body. Common lupus symptoms include joint pain, chest pain, rashes, fever, anemia, and memory issues. Although lupus has no cure, your doctor can customize a treatment plan that helps alleviate your symptoms.

Gout

Gout is a debilitating form of arthritis. It causes severe pain that can even wake you up at night. Gout results from high uric acid levels in the blood and normally affects your big toe. The pain can last a few days to weeks and might be triggered by consuming alcohol, food, or drinks with high levels of fructose. Fortunately, the condition is treatable. Doctors recommend avoiding purine-rich foods such as herring, scallops, red meat, and medication prescription.

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is one of the conditions that cause joint pain. Normally, just one or two joints are affected simultaneously, and the episodes are less severe and less frequent as time goes on. If you have Lyme disease, getting an early diagnosis, treatment, and constant medical care is vital.

Fibromyalgia

According to statistics, around 2% of adults in the U.S. have fibromyalgia. It causes widespread joint and muscle pain, tenderness, and memory problems. There is no precise diagnostic test for fibromyalgia. Therefore, it can take time to get a proper diagnosis. Fibromyalgia can be managed with several treatments, including stress management, pain relievers, cognitive behavioral therapy, aerobic exercises, etc.

Injured Meniscus

A meniscus injury, the cartilage in the knee that stabilizes and cushions your knee joint, is a common cause of knee pain. The injury to your meniscus is normally injured while playing sports, but it can also occur due to arthritis. During contact sports, the knee can tear and twist the cartilage that offers cushioning between your shinbone and thighbone. To treat meniscus injuries, your doctor might recommend cortisone, hyaluronic acid injections, physical therapy, or surgery.

Generally, there are many causes of joint pain. If you are experiencing joint pain, the joint becomes inflamed or deformed, or you can no longer use the joint at all, consulting a healthcare provider can help you give you the diagnosis and treatment plan to be more active and comfortable. If medications and conservative methods do not relieve your joint pain, you might need surgery.

Denny Francis