Joint pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder that refers to aches, soreness, or general discomfort affecting one or more joints, the areas of your body where your bones meet. Joints allow for a full range of motion and make it possible to run, jump, throw, and lift. 

Though your joints are incredibly tough and hardworking, they aren’t invincible. Every day, they experience wear-and-tear that puts you at risk. There are more than 300 joints in the human body, including the knees, hips, shoulders, and elbows.

What are some common causes of joint pain?

The most common cause of joint pain is arthritis, a blanket term used to describe a group of more than 100 diseases. Other common causes of joint pain include:

• Bursitis
• Lupus
• Sports injuries
• Automobile accidents
• Tendinitis
• Overuse
• Cancer
• Fibromyalgia
• Infection 
• Rickets

Certain infectious diseases also cause joint pain. You might experience soreness or stiffness if you have the flu, hepatitis, or the mumps. 

What are the symptoms of joint pain?

Joint pain affects everyone differently and varies depending on the underlying cause. Common telltale signs of joint pain include:

• Swelling 
• Tenderness
• Redness
• Fever
• Popping or clicking noises
• A sensation of warmth

If you experience joint pain, you might also find it difficult to straighten or bend your affected limb. Simple tasks like walking, climbing a flight of stairs, or getting out of bed in the morning may cause general pain and discomfort. 

How is joint pain diagnosed?

To diagnose joint pain, your Crenshaw Interventional Pain Specialists provider conducts a physical exam, asks you about your symptoms, and reviews your medical history. They also ask you to stand up, sit down, and walk around the exam room to observe your posture and gait.

If these measures don’t provide enough information or your provider suspects an underlying health problem is to blame, they might also order X-rays or an MRI to get a closer look at your bones and soft tissues.

How is joint pain treated?

Crenshaw Interventional Pain Specialists usually recommends conservative, integrative measures of treatment such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation (the RICE protocol) or physical therapy.

If your pain persists or gets worse, you might benefit from facet joint injections, corticosteroid injections, or nerve blocks. If your joint pain is severe or doesn’t respond to treatment, surgical intervention may be necessary. 

To request your joint pain appointment at Crenshaw Interventional Pain Specialists today, call the office or book online.