Joint Pain
Joint pain can be caused by a number of factors. Including:
- Osteoarthritis: A condition in which the smooth, gliding surfaces (cartilage) of your joint have become damaged. This usually results in pain, stiffness, and reduced flexibility. Osteoarthritis usually develops in older patients due to a lifetime of wear and tear on joints.
- Post Traumatic Arthritis: develops as a result of an injury, such as a fracture in a joint that does not heal properly.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune condition that results in joint pain and inflammation.
- Osteonecrosis: A condition that can occur either spontaneously or as the result of an injury. Typical symptoms include pain, limited range of motion, and, when the leg is affected, a limp. The areas most commonly affected are the hips, knees, and shoulder joints.
For arthritic joints, your doctor may prescribe physical therapy, pain medications, anti-inflammatory medications, or injections into the joint. If these treatments reduce or completely alleviate your pain, surgery may not be necessary. However, if pain persists or recurs, your doctor may recommend surgery.
Prevention
One of the most important things you can do to reduce wear on your joints, or pain in your hips or knees is maintain a healthy weight for your body size. If your doctor has told you that you are overweight, you may want to ask him/her to refer you to nutrition counseling or a weight loss program that can help you lose weight safely while maintaining nutritional balance.
- Agility: Key to long-term joint health. There are a few simple things that most people can do to keep their joints strong and vital today and in the future.
- Weight Loss: Reducing weight by as little as 10% can help reduce the stress on joints.
- Stretching: Flexibility and muscle movement will help with minor aches and pains.
- Exercise: Range-of-motion exercises, as well as strengthening and endurance exercises, keep joints active.
- Massage: Offers temporary relaxation and therapeutic benefits.
Mid Coast Center for Community Health & Wellness offers an array of quality, evidence-based prevention and wellness support, information and resources that can help with prevention of joint pain.