Understanding 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. It can 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.

Causes of Joint Pain

The cause of joint pain can vary from person to person. It is a common symptom for many conditions, including:

Arthritis

Healthline explains one of the most common causes of joint pain is arthritis. The two main forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). OA is most common in adults over age 40. It progresses slowly and tends to affect commonly used joints like the:

Wrists
Hands
Hips
Knees

Joint pain due to OA results from a breakdown of the cartilage that serves as a cushion and shock absorber for the joints.

The second form of arthritis is RA, and it affects about 1.5 million Americans. It more commonly affects women than men. It can deform and debilitate the joints over time. RA causes pain, inflammation, and fluid buildup in the joints as the body’s immune system attacks the membrane that lines the joints.

Other causes

Joint pain can be caused by:

Bursitis, or inflammation of the cushioning pads around joints
Lupus
Gout
Certain infectious diseases, such as mumps, influenza, and hepatitis
Chondromalacia of the patella, or a breakdown of the cartilage in the kneecap
An injury
Tendinitis, or inflammation of the tendon
An infection of the bone or joint
Overuse of a joint
Cancer
Fibromyalgia
Osteoporosis
Sarcoidosis
Rickets

Symptoms of Joint Pain

Common symptoms include:

Aching in the affected joint
Stiffness and/or decreased range of motion in the joint, especially after periods of rest
Swelling or tenderness around the joint
Inflammation, warmth, and redness of the skin surrounding the area
Sensation of grinding or crunching when using the joint
Weakness or fatigue in the joint

Anti-Inflammatory Injections for Joint Pain Relief

If you have been experiencing chronic joint pain, anti-inflammatory injections may be an option to reduce inflammation and provide relief. Anti-inflammatory injections help to decrease swelling and improve mobility in the affected areas. Corticosteroids are often used as a medication for these injections, and they work by suppressing inflammation.

The injection is administered directly into the joint, usually in the form of a corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid. The results can be felt quickly, often within 48 hours. This method of pain relief has been proven to provide long-term relief for those with joint pain due to osteoarthritis and other forms of arthritis.

The Benefits Of Anti-Inflammatory Injections

If the provider at Advanced Chiropractic and Rehab decides you are a good candidate for anti-inflammatory injections, you may enjoy benefits like:

Localized pain relief – irritation in just one knee can be solved without affecting the rest of your body.
Rapid relief – the pain could start fading before you even leave the office.
Long lasting results – one injection could last weeks.
Few side effects – you will not have to miss work for weeks, as you will with surgical options.
Restored range of motion – relieving inflamed muscles and nerves could help you move more freely.
Dependability – these injections usually work even for patients that do not respond to other pain killers.
Quick – there is no need for long healing periods or hours of treatment in the office.
Stop arthritis progression- adding a replacement substance to a knee joint can help decrease further deterioration caused by arthritis.

Who Can it Help?

You do not have to be suffering from severe rheumatoid arthritis just to enjoy the quick relief of an anti-inflammatory injection. Further, this kind of treatment is recommended for conditions that include:

Back pain, neck pain, and other forms of chronic pain
Recurring headaches and migraines
Sciatica and other types of inflammation that affect the hip
Arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
Pinched nerve
Knee pain due to injuries, age, or joint degeneration
Shoulder inflammation and limited range of movement in the elbow or wrist

Are Further Treatments Needed?

While anti-inflammatory injections are great temporary treatments for pain, they cannot resolve the originating cause of the problem. At Advanced Chiropractic and Rehab we use these techniques to quickly help patients feel better. It is crucial, however, to follow up with further diagnostics and other complementary treatments. Investing in anti-inflammatory reduction before chiropractic care or spinal adjustments will only make them more effective in the long run. With the right treatments, you could discover that you are free of swelling and pain when the injections wear off and the other treatments have resolved the issue.

Make an Appointment with Advanced Chiropractic & Rehab

If you would like to learn more about anti-inflammatory injections and how they could help with your joint pain, contact Advanced Chiropractic and Rehab. Our team of experienced doctors and therapists will provide an individualized plan for your specific needs. Additionally, we can offer a variety of treatments that focus on reducing inflammation and relieving pain. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

Countless Joint Pain Sufferers Find Relief with Anti-Inflammatory Injections