Joint Pain: Causes, Symptoms and Treatments
Painful joints can make even the simplest movements of daily life difficult. From constantly aching knees to stiff fingers, joint pain affects millions of people worldwide. The most common cause, though not the only one, is arthritis.
What are the causes of joint pain?
Joint pain can arise from multiple factors, including overuse, injuries, chronic conditions, or viral infections. Symptoms can vary: some pain is mild and temporary, while others can become debilitating.
Arthritis and its types
Arthritis is the most frequent cause of joint pain and includes over a hundred different types.
- Osteoarthritis: The most common type, often referred to as "wear and tear arthritis." This condition develops gradually, with age and repeated use of the joints. It primarily affects the knees, hips, and hands, causing the deterioration of cartilage that serves as a protective cushion. When the cartilage wears away, the bones begin to rub together, causing pain and stiffness.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Unlike osteoarthritis, this is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy cells, affecting the lining of the joints. This leads to pain, swelling, and persistent inflammation.
- Lupus: Another autoimmune disease that can affect the joints, causing pain and inflammation, often associated with systemic symptoms.
Other causes of joint pain
In addition to arthritis, joint pain can stem from:
- Injuries: Fractures, muscle strains, or ligament sprains.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons, the tissues that connect muscles to bones.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the synovial bursae, fluid-filled sacs that protect the bones near the joints.
- Bone infections: Often caused by the spread of infection from the skin to the bones.
- Gout: A form of arthritis characterized by the accumulation of uric acid, commonly affecting the big toe.
Understanding the cause of joint pain is essential to address it effectively and improve quality of life. Consulting a specialist can help identify the most suitable treatment.
When to see a doctor for joint pain?
It is never too early to address joint pain with your doctor, who may refer you to a rheumatologist or orthopedic specialist for further investigation.
How to assess joint pain
Joint pain can vary in intensity and duration. Here are some helpful definitions to identify when it's necessary to consult a specialist:
- Persistent joint pain: Occurs daily or almost daily for at least three consecutive months, regardless of intensity.
- Severe joint pain: Reaches a level of 7 or higher on a scale from 0 to 10 (where 10 represents the maximum pain). Even if it is not persistent, it is intense enough to interfere with daily activities.
If the pain fits one of these categories, it is crucial to schedule a medical appointment. Timely treatment can alleviate the pain and preserve joint function.
What are the treatments for joint pain?
The treatment for joint pain depends on the underlying cause. The doctor will begin with a thorough evaluation, which may include blood tests, X-rays, or other imaging exams.
Specific treatments based on the cause
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatologists prescribe specific medications to reduce inflammation and slow the progression of the disease.
- Osteoarthritis: Orthopedic or sports medicine specialists customize treatment based on pain severity, mobility, and the patient's goals.
- Joint infections (though rare): These are treated with antibiotics or targeted therapies to eliminate the infection.
Managing joint pain
Home pain management
Some joint pain can be relieved with:
- Hot/cold compresses to reduce inflammation and stiffness.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen. However, prolonged use can cause side effects, so it's important to follow the doctor's instructions.
Medical interventions
In cases of more intense pain, the doctor may suggest:
- Corticosteroid injections: Powerful anti-inflammatory drugs that quickly relieve pain. However, they may not be suitable for everyone and carry risks, such as changes in blood sugar levels for diabetics.
- Viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid: Injections that lubricate the joint, improving mobility and reducing pain, especially in osteoarthritis cases.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy can be an effective solution to strengthen the muscles supporting the joints, improving stability and mobility. It is particularly useful in the early stages of osteoarthritis to slow down joint deterioration.
Joint replacement
When joint damage is severe and non-surgical treatments are ineffective, joint replacement can be the definitive solution. This advanced procedure often helps eliminate pain and restore the patient's quality of life.
With a targeted and personalized approach, it is possible to alleviate joint pain and improve joint function. Consulting a specialist is the first step to finding the most suitable treatment. Initially, the doctor will assess the cause of the joint pain. Likely, they will order tests, including blood tests, X-rays, or other imaging exams.
Treatment depends on the type of arthritis. Rheumatologists take care of people with rheumatoid arthritis, providing specific pharmacological treatments.
Orthopedic and sports medicine specialists can treat people with osteoarthritis, which, being progressive, requires a different treatment approach based on the degree of pain, joint mobility, and the patient's goals.
Learn more about our Orthopedics and Traumatology services and our Orthopedic Joint Replacement Surgery Center.