So, you’re experiencing pain in your joints. Where should you turn next? Well, your first step is to read this blog, and you will come away with some actionable steps you can take to remedy your joint pain. At MidAmerica Orthopaedics, our mission as a primary care provider is to provide compassionate care and healing to our patients who come to us with all different types of bodily injuries, conditions, or concerns.

What is Joint Pain?

Joint pain refers to discomfort or pain in the area where two or more bones meet, such as the knee, hip, shoulder, or wrist. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including an impact injury, inflammation, infection, or gradual wear and tear over time as a result of repetitive use. Joint pain can be severe and significantly impact one’s quality of life, however, mild cases are very common too. No matter what type of joint pain you’re experiencing, or if you simply want to be proactive for your health and take some preventative measures, our Total Joint Clinic at MidAmerica Orthopaedics has the expert guidance you need. Next, we will dive deeper into the causes of joint pain mentioned above.

What Causes Joint Pain?

There is no one-size-fits-all cause for joint pain. However, injuries are a main contributor. Injury to the joint, such as a sprain or fracture, can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness that lasts beyond the initial impact of the injury. Additionally, inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout can cause the immune system to attack the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. Infections can also cause joint pain, particularly in cases of Lyme disease or viral infections like hepatitis or influenza. Finally, wear and tear over time can lead to degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia, which can cause chronic pain and discomfort. These are just a few of the most common causes for joint pain, but regardless of why you suspect yours may have arisen, you should consult a physician to determine a personalized course of action that fits your needs. The fellowship-trained physicians at MidAmerica Orthopaedics can help!

What Should I Do to Treat My Joint Pain?

There’s no getting around the fact that dealing with joint pain is not fun and not pleasant. But luckily there are many treatment options available to help manage it and make your life easier. Medication is often the first line of defense against joint pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. In more severe cases, your healthcare provider may prescribe stronger pain medication or even steroid injections to help manage your symptoms.

Physical therapy is another great option for treating joint pain. A licensed physical therapist can work with you to design an exercise program that can help strengthen the muscles around the affected joint, improve flexibility, and reduce pain. They may also use techniques like massage or heat therapy to help relieve tension and pain in the joint.

Lifestyle modifications can also play a role in managing joint pain. Losing weight, for example, can help reduce the amount of pressure on weight-bearing joints like the knees or hips. Quitting smoking can also help reduce inflammation in the body, which can exacerbate joint pain. In addition, low-impact activities like swimming or yoga can help improve joint mobility and reduce pain.

Finally, in some cases, surgery may be necessary to treat joint pain. Joint replacement surgery, for example, can be very effective in treating severe cases of osteoarthritis or other degenerative joint conditions.

In conclusion, joint pain can be a real pain in the you-know-what, but don't let it get you down! There are many treatment options available to help manage your pain and improve your quality of life. Whether it's medication, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, or even surgery, there's a solution out there that can work for you. So don't suffer in silence - call MidAmerica Orthopaedics at (708) - 237 - 7200 to make an appointment with a specialist today.