Find Joint Pain Specialists near you

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FAQs:

What is Joint Pain?

Joint discomfort is common and usually felt in the hands, feet, hips, knees, or spine. Pain may be constant or it can come and go. Sometimes the joint can feel stiff, achy, or sore. Some patients complain of a burning, throbbing, or “grating” sensation. In addition, the joint may feel stiff in the morning but loosen up and feel better with movement and activity. However, too much activity could make the pain worse. Joint pain may affect the function of the joint, and can limit a person’s ability to do basic tasks. Severe joint pain can affect the quality of life. Treatment should focus not only on pain but also on the affected activities and functions.

What Does Joint Pain Feel Like?

The pain and swelling is often accompanied by stiffness, aches and a feeling of heat or warmth. In some cases, it can lead to problems moving around, completing daily activities (such as washing and dressing), and for some people, working. Joint pain and swelling may be better or worse at different times of the day. For example, you may find that your joint pain and swelling is worst first thing in the morning. Pain and swelling in the joints can also lead to tiredness and fatigue.

Who is More Likely to Experience Joint Pain?

Joint pain tends to affects those who:

- Have had previous injuries to a joint.

- Repeatedly use and/or overuse a muscle.

- Have arthritis or other chronic medical conditions.

- Suffer from depression, anxiety, and/or stress.

- Are overweight.

- Suffer from poor health.

Age is also a factor in stiff and painful joints. After years of use, and wear and tear on joints, problems may arise in middle-aged or older adults.

How Do I Know If My Pain is Joint Pain?

Joint and muscle pain represent two different medical conditions. While muscle pain is pain felt when the body is in motion, joint pain is more often felt when the body is at rest. Though the causes of muscle and joint pain may overlap, it's usually possible to distinguish between the two. 

Muscle spasms often accompany muscle pain, in which case the discomfort can sometimes be alleviated through movement to help release any toxins or lactic acid that have built up. Muscle pain typically subsides when you aren't using the affected muscle, and rest is often the best cure. 

Joint pain usually takes longer to heal than muscle pain and may come with swelling of the affected joint. Since joint pain goes deeper than a muscle injury, it will likely continue to hurt even when you're resting.

Is Walking Good for Sacroiliac Joint Pain?

Walking is among the best ways that you can strengthen the lower back. Remember not to strain yourself while doing exercises. Whenever you feel pain, give yourself permission to rest. You are not in a race so there’s no reason to be in a hurry.

Start out by walking as slow as want. Then, you can walk for just twenty minutes around your neighborhood or at a park daily. This is already good enough. If you can manage to do this twice every week, then that’s good. But if you can only do it once a week, then that’s a good start.

When you start to notice that there’s not much pain anymore when you walk, you can increase the speed or the time that you do your walking. In time, you’ll be able to do thirty minutes of walking every day.

Does Fibromyalgia Cause Joint Pain?

Fibromyalgia causes bodywide pain and extreme tiredness. It can be confused with arthritis because it may cause pain in joints, muscles and soft tissues. Pain may start in one area, such as the neck and shoulders, and spread to other areas over time. The pain affects both sides of the body, above and below the waist. It can be mild or severe. Sensitivity to touch (tenderness) is another hallmark of fibromyalgia pain. The pain has been described as burning, aching, stabbing, tingling, throbbing, soreness or numbness (loss of feeling). It may change based on the time of day, activity level, weather (especially cold or damp conditions), sleep patterns and stress. Although the pain can come and go, some people report that some pain is always present.

Can Stress Cause Joint Pain?

There is a direct link between stress and inflammation. Joint pain and sport-related injuries can be aggravated by increased stress levels. The body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline as part of the stress response which can cause muscle tightening and increased pain sensitivity.

These hormones tell our bodies to go into fight-or-flight mode, releasing pro-inflammatory molecules and causing inflammation. The body produces cytokine molecules continuously due to long-term stress, resulting in joint swelling and pain. If the immune system is activated too long, it can cause chronic inflammation, leading to joint pain and damage.

Is Joint Pain the Same as Arthritis?

It’s important to understand that joint pain and arthritis are often intertwined. Technically, arthritis describes any condition that causes inflammation and pain in your joints. In fact, the hallmark inflammation of arthritis is often what causes the pain. With joint pain, you may experience an achy or painful joint without the inflammation. That often precedes arthritis and is a sign of a brewing problem that ends with inflammation.

When Can Joint Pain Start?

Research shows that joint pain caused by arthritis and other age-related conditions are more likely to begin in your 40s. So if you're starting to feel a bit less flexible than you used to, or even if you’re not, the time to start giving extra love to your joints is now. Making a diligent effort to protect and move your joints in your 40s can do a lot to help ward off exacerbated pain, stiffness, and maybe even joint replacement surgery down the road.

What Helps with Joint Pain Naturally?

Try Heat and Cold. Heat increases blood flow to painful joints, relaxes tight muscles and helps eliminate waste products. Cold decreases blood flow to reduce swelling, slows the transmission of pain signals through nerves and inhibits inflammatory chemicals. Cold therapy is best for pain and swelling after exercise, during a flare or in the first 48 to 72 hours after an injury. Later, try alternating hot and cold packs or warm and cold soaks (switching back and forth after about 10 minutes). For an even bigger chill: Freeze half a paper cup of water, then rub the ice on sore spots for about 10 minutes. Be sure to protect your skin with a thin cloth or paper towel.\

Is Joint Pain a Vitamin Deficiency?

Yes, multiple studies show that a deficiency of this vitamin can lead to joint pain and swelling. As Vitamin D is required for bone building and bone health, therefore a deficiency of it will negatively affect the bones. Since our school days, we have known how important Vitamin D is for bone health. A study investigated the effect of vitamin D serum on hip and knee pain in elderly people. The result shows that a moderate level of vitamin D deficiency can predict the onset of hip pain in 2.4 years and knee pain in 5 years. The research also supported that the pain could worsen if the deficiency was not treated.

What is a Joint?

A joint is a point where bones make contact, connecting the skeletal system. Most joints are mobile, which allows the body to make different types of movement. There are three kinds of joint: fibrous, cartilaginous, and synovial.

Fibrous joints are usually immovable. They include the cranium in the skull, the joints between the teeth and the sockets in the jaw, and the joints between the bones of the lower leg.

Cartilaginous joints are those where cartilage joins two bones. These joints are partially movable. One example is the joint between the right and left pubic bone.

Synovial joints are the joints that allow limbs to move freely. These joints have a cavity in them that contains synovial fluid. This fluid allows the bones that connect the joint to move around with ease. Some examples include the knee, elbow, hip, and shoulder.

Types of Joint Pain

Common types of joint pain include:

- knee pain

- shoulder pain

- hip pain

- foot pain, including your ankle and toes

- hand pain, including your wrist and fingers

- elbow pain

- neck pain

You might feel pain in 1 joint, or more than 1 joint at the same time, such as your knees and hips.

Causes of Joint Pain

The most common causes of chronic pain in joints are:

1. 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.

2. 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).

3. 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.

4. Bursitis is caused by overuse. It is usually found in the hip, knee, elbow, or shoulder.

5. Viral infections, rash, or fever may make joint movement painful.

6. Injuries, such as broken bones or sprains

7. 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.

Symptoms of Joint Pain

Symptoms of joint pain range from mild to disabling. Without cartilage, bones rub directly against each other as the joint moves. Symptoms can include:

- Swelling.

- Stiff or enlarged joint.

- Numbness.

- Noisy joints, or clicking, grinding, or snapping sounds when moving the joint.

- Painful movement.

- Difficulty bending or straightening the joint.

- Loss of motion.

- A red and hot and swollen joint (This should be evaluated quickly by a doctor).

How to Treat Joint Pain

Although there may not be a cure for the pain, it can be managed to bring the patient relief. Sometimes the pain may go away by taking over-the-counter medication, or by performing simple daily exercises. Other times, the pain may be signaling problems that can only be corrected with prescription medication or surgery.

1. Simple at-home treatments, such as applying a heating pad or ice on the affected area, may be recommended for short periods, several times a day. Soaking in a warm bathtub may also offer relief.

2. Exercise can help get back strength and function. Walking, swimming, or other low-impact aerobic exercise is best. Those who participate in strenuous workouts or sports activities may need to scale it back or begin a low-impact workout routine. Gentle stretching exercises will also help. Check with the doctor before beginning or continuing any exercise program.

3. Weight loss may also be suggested, if needed, to lessen strain on joints.

4. Acetaminophen, (Tylenol®) or anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen), may help ease the pain. Both of these medicines are available over the counter, but stronger doses may need a doctor’s prescription. If you have a history of stomach ulcers, kidney disease, or liver disease, check with your physician to see if this is a good option for you.

5. Topical treatments, such as ointments or gels that can be rubbed into the skin over the affected joint area, may also help ease pain. Some of these may be found over the counter, or the doctor may write a prescription.

6. Dietary supplements, like glucosamine, may help relieve pain. Ask the doctor before taking any over-the-counter supplements.

If those medications or treatments do not ease the pain, the doctor may prescribe:

1. Supportive aids, such as a brace, cane, or orthotic device in the shoe, can help support the joint to allow ease of movement. The doctor, physical or occupational therapist, or social worker will be able to assist with the right option(s) available.

2. Physical or occupational therapy, along with a balanced fitness program, may gradually help ease pain and improve flexibility.

3. Antidepressants may be prescribed to help improve sleep for a patient suffering from joint pain.

4. Steroids, often given by injection into the joint, provide short-term relief of pain and swelling.

5. Painkilling drugs that help ease pain.

Please note that medicine, even those available over the counter, affects people differently. What helps one person may not work for another. Be sure to follow the doctor’s directions carefully when taking any medicine, and tell him or her if you have any side effects.

How to Reduce Joint Pain

Surgery may be an option if the joint pain is long lasting and does not lessen with drugs or physical therapy and exercise. Please be sure to discuss this with the doctor to make sure that an operation makes sense.

There are many different surgical options available, including:

1. Arthroscopy: A procedure where a surgeon makes two or three small incisions in the flesh over the joint and gets into the joint using an arthroscope, or a thin, flexible, fiberoptic instrument, to repair cartilage or remove bone chips in or near the joint.

2. Joint replacement: If other treatments do not help, surgery may be needed to replace the joint once the cartilage that cushions and protects the ends of the bones gradually wears away. This can be done for hip, knee and shoulder joints.

A surgeon removes parts of the patient’s bone and implants an artificial joint made from metal or plastic. This procedure has had excellent results and the majority of patients feel long-lasting pain relief after this type of surgery.

Best Supplements for Joint Pain

Here are the best supplements for joint pain:

Glucosamine

This amino sugar is a natural part of the cartilage in your joints. Taking it as a supplement may help slow down cartilage loss, as well as ease stiffness, swelling, and pain. You can find it in capsules, tablets, liquid, or powder form. Your doctor may recommend you take it in combination with another supplement, chondroitin.

Chondroitin

This substance is a natural part of the connective tissue in your bones and cartilage. When you take it as a supplement, it can help boost the collagen in your joints to help you absorb shock better. It may help hold water in your cartilage too. That can make the tissue operate more smoothly. A little extra chondroitin could also help protect you from cartilage loss. The supplement form comes from animal cartilage.

Fish Oil/Omega-3s

These amber-colored oily supplements block proteins and fatty acids that can turn on inflammation. Your body turns them into anti-inflammatory chemicals called resolvins that can help take away joint stiffness and tenderness.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

This sulfuric compound is naturally present in fruits, vegetables, grains, animals, and humans. Sulfur helps your body make connective tissue. Taking 1,000 to 3,000 mg or more of this natural chemical every day may help with symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, such as pain and swelling.

Vitamin D

Scientists who study rheumatoid arthritis have found that people who have the condition often lack vitamin D. Low levels of this essential nutrient may lead to chronic pain. When you take it as a supplement, it could help your arthritis treatment work better.

Turmeric

This spice gives curry its yellow color. It may give you some pain relief too. A chemical in turmeric called curcumin blocks certain proteins that can cause inflammation. Over time, it can help joints ache less and help you move better.

Borage Oil

This extract from seeds of the borago plant is high in gamma linolenic acid, a fatty acid that fights inflammation in the body. Daily borage oil supplements may help treat symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and even reduce the dose you need of your prescription treatments for joint pain and swelling.

SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine)

Your liver produces this chemical compound. When you take it as a supplement, studies show SAMe can work as well as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. It may also help repair cartilage damage that causes arthritis symptoms.

Boswellia

Also called Indian frankincense, this plant extract has been a part of African and Asian folk medicine for centuries. The active ingredient in Boswellia can help with pain and improve movement in your joints. Research also shows it can slow down cartilage loss.

Cat’s Claw (Uncaria Tomentosa)

This woody vine from Central and South America contains chemicals called tannins and sterols that may soothe inflammation. Studies show it might help with knee pain in osteoarthritis without side effects. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, cat’s claw could help ease pain and swelling in your joints.

Avocado Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU)

Your joints are lined with special cells called synovial cells. ASU helps protect them so they can promote the growth of healthy connective tissue. Studies show that over time, people with osteoarthritis who take ASU supplements may need less pain medication than they did before.

How to Get Rid of Joint Pain After Exercise

When you’re already in pain, use these tips to lessen it:

1. Use heat therapy. Heat therapy will help soothe the pain. You could apply a warm compress (a heat pack, a warm wet towel) or simply take a warm bath.

2. Use cold therapy. Cold therapy (an ice pack, a frozen gel pack, a coolant spray) will help reduce swelling.

3. Use an anti-inflammatory medication. Over-the-counter medications, including drugs and topical creams, are available to help you manage your pain and reduce joint swelling. Your doctor may recommend certain products.

4. Don’t place more stress on the joint. If you continue placing stress on the joint, you may aggravate it and worsen the pain. Avoid movements that worsen the pain until the pain has subsided. Gentle exercises that don’t cause pain are recommended, however.

If your pain persists, you may have exercised too strenuously or you may be injured. Contact your doctor for advice.

When to See a Joint Pain Specialist

If pain is interfering with normal daily life activities, it is time to talk to a doctor about the problem. It is important to diagnose the cause of the pain quickly and begin treatment to relieve pain and maintain healthy, functioning joints.

You should see a doctor if:

1. Pain is accompanied by a fever.

2. There is unexplained weight loss (10 pounds or more).

3. Pain is preventing you from walking normally.

During the appointment, the doctor will ask many questions to figure out what may be the cause of the pain. The patient should be ready to answer questions about previous injuries to the joint, when the joint pain began, a family history of joint pain, and the type of pain experienced.

An examination of the affected joint will follow to see if there is pain or limited motion. The doctor will also look for signs of injury to the surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

If necessary, the doctor may also order X-rays or blood tests. X-rays can show if there is joint deterioration, fluid in the joint, bone spurs, or other issues that may be contributing to the pain. Blood tests will help confirm a diagnosis or rule out other diseases that may be causing the pain.

What to Expect at Your Doctor Visit

Your provider will ask you questions about your medical history and symptoms, including:

1. Which joint hurts? Is the pain on one side or both sides?

2. What started the pain and how often have you had it? Have you had it before?

3. Did this pain begin suddenly and severely, or slowly and mildly?

4. Is the pain constant or does it come and go? Has the pain become more severe?

5. Have you injured your joint?

6. Have you had an illness, rash, or fever?

7. Does resting or moving make the pain better or worse? Are certain positions more or less comfortable? Does keeping the joint elevated help?

8. Do medicines, massage, or applying heat reduce the pain?

9. What other symptoms do you have?

10. Is there any numbness?

11. Can you bend and straighten the joint? Does the joint feel stiff?

12. Are your joints stiff in the morning? If so, for how long does the stiffness last?

13. What makes the stiffness better?

Sources:

Cleveland Clinic

NHS

Medical News Today

Mount Sinai

NUCCA Near Me

Arthritis Foundation

Health Direct

WebMD

The Shores of Lake Phalen

Elite Orthopedics

American Hip Institute

Summit Pain Alliance

Alexander Orthopaedic

Sahyadri Hospitals

 

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.