What is joint pain? It is a stiff achy
feeling that can often last all day, or days on end.
Sometimes it can be pain in joint of the knee or shoulder, and
sometimes every joint in your body can ache. Many people think
of arthritis when they hear about joint pain, but it is not always caused by arthritis.
Common causes of pain in joint are strains
and sprains, injuries such as fracture, over exertion or
overuse, tendonitis, flu, and gout (this especially
affects the big toe).
Spondylosis lumbar pain and
severe shoulder pain are especially
problematic.
Infectious diseases such as Measles (rubeola),
Hepatitis, Mumps, Rheumatic fever, Chickenpox,
Epstein-Barr viral syndrome, Rubella (German measles),
Osteomyelitis,
reactive arthritis and Chondromalacia patellae can also
cause pain in joint. Autoimmune diseases such as lupus and
rheumatoid arthritis can be associated with very painful
and crippling joint pain.
No matter what causes the pain in joint
areas, it can be very disruptive to everyday activities.
Warm baths, gentle exercise that includes
stretching, and massage can bring relief.
Anti-inflammatory medications can also help with joint
pain. Be sure to consult you health care provider if you
are unsure of which one is best for you.
Swimming, bicycling, range-of-motion and
aquatic exercises are low impact and are very beneficial
to your cardiovascular fitness while being easy on the
joints. Flexibility and strengthening exercises will
help if you are experiencing joint pain and stiffness,
or weakness that can interrupt your activities. They are
also a good place to start when you have not been
exercising. As always, please check with your health
care professional before any exercise program.
Osteoarthritis is common in those over 45
years old, and is caused by the degeneration of
cartilage and growth of bone spurs. Degenerative
arthritis is a very painful form of osteoarthritis often
found in the neck or upper back area.
Bursitis is caused by an inflammation of
the bursa, a sac that is filled with fluid, which
cushions bony prominences, and allows muscles and
tendons to move freely. Arthritis (inflammation of
joints) and muscle pain, and Arthralgia (inflammation in
one or more joints.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a great crippler.
Exercise and diet are very important to those who suffer
from rheumatoid arthritis. Exercise will make you more
flexible and give you more endurance so that you can
carry on with your daily activities.
Cardiovascular exercise is important for
your overall health, weight control, muscle strength,
and energy level. Low-impact conditioning programs, like
walking or riding a stationary bicycle, are generally
good options.
If you are experiencing joint pain that
is not accompanied by a fever, persists more than three
days, an unplanned weight loss of more than ten pounds,
or other unexplained symptoms, you should consult your
physician immediately.
Some of the things you should expect when
you go to see your health care provider are a medical
history and a physical examination:
A series of diagnostic tests, which might
include, joint x-ray, and blood studies -- CBC or blood
differential.
Questions which may help you health care
provider determine the cause of your joint pain such as:
Which joint hurts, and is the pain on both sides, was
the onset of the pain sudden and severe -- or slow and
mild? Does the pain come and go, or is it persistent.
How long have you been having this pain, and have you
had it before? Is there a pattern to the pain? Have you
injured your joint? Is the joint pain becoming more
severe? Have you been ill, and run a fever? Does rest
reduce the pain in joint or make it worse? Does exercise or
movement make the joint pain worse, or relieve some of
the pain? Is this joint pain a recurring problem? Have
you tried elevating the joint, and does this relieve the
joint pain? Have massage or heat helped reduce the joint
pain? Are you experiencing any numbness? Can you bend
the joint, or does it feel stiff?
Your health care provider might prescribe
some physical therapy, and you should always follow his
orders about home care. If you do not like to take
prescription drugs, and prefer a more natural approach
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