Joint Pain: Is It Arthritis?

If you are experiencing joint pain, the first step is to determine the cause. Many people automatically assume that their joint pain is arthritis, but this may not be the case. There are many different causes of joint pain, and arthritis is just one of them. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the other possible causes of joint pain and how you can go about finding out what is causing your symptoms. We will also talk about treatment options for arthritis and other types of joint pain.

Understanding Joint Pain

Joint pain can be caused by a variety of different things. Sometimes, it is caused by an injury to the joint or surrounding tissues. Other times, it is caused by a degenerative disease like arthritis. And sometimes, it is simply due to aging and the wear and tear that our bodies experience over time. If you are experiencing joint pain, the first step is to see your doctor. They will be able to help you determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend the best course of treatment.

Joint Pain Symptoms

Joint pain can range from mild to severe. It may be a dull ache or a sharp, shooting pain. It may be constant or it may come and go. Joint pain can also feel like stiffness or tenderness in the joint.

Arthritis

Arthritis is a degenerative disease that affects the joints. There are many different types of arthritis, but the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis and occurs when the cartilage in the joints breaks down. This can happen due to aging, injury, or overuse. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack the joints. This can cause inflammation, pain, and damage to the joints.

Arthritis Symptoms

Different types of arthritis have different symptoms. They can be mild in some people and severe in others. Joint discomfort might come and go, or it could stay constant. Common symptoms include:

• Pain.
• Redness.
• Stiffness.
• Swelling.
• Tenderness.
• Warmth.

Other Causes of Joint Pain

In addition to arthritis, there are many other possible causes of joint pain. These include:

• Gout is a painful condition where crystals from the body collect in the joint, causing severe pain and swelling. This usually occurs in the big toe.
• Bursitis is caused by overuse. It is usually found in the hip, knee, elbow, or shoulder.
• Viral infections, rash, or fever may make joint movement painful.
• Injuries, such as broken bones or sprains
• Tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendons, or the flexible bands that connect bone and muscle. It is typically seen in the elbow, heel, or shoulder and is usually caused by overuse.

Treatment for Joint Pain

The treatment for joint pain will vary depending on the cause. If it is due to an injury, the treatment will focus on healing the injury and preventing further damage. If it is due to arthritis, the treatment will focus on managing the pain and inflammation. At Advanced Chiropractic, we offer anti-inflammatory injections for joint pain. These injections offer 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.

Make an Appointment with Advanced Chiropractic & Rehab

If you are experiencing joint pain, the first step is to make an appointment with Advanced Chiropractic & Rehab. We will be able to help you determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend the best course of treatment. After a diagnosis has been made, we can develop a customized treatment plan to relieve your pain and improve your quality of life. Contact us today to make an appointment!