24 Jul Joint Pain Causes and Remedies
The causes of joint pain are vast, but so are the remedies. Many patients experience joint pain from arthritis, fibromyalgia, cancer, and many other common diseases. We have found chiropractic care and our rehabilitative therapies (such as gentle massage and manipulation) to be highly effective for restoring flexibility and range-of-motion to stiff joints. Joint inflammation injections and exercise programs also help your body feel better as it gets stronger. We can cater a plan to you that can help effectively eliminate most, if not all, of the pain your joints give you. Find out more about what causes your joint pain and how to fix it today at Mile High Spine & Pain Center!
Joint Pain Is Crippling the Nation
Joint pain affects millions of Americans each year. There are over 54.4 million Americans alone that suffer joint pain just from arthritis. Other patients experience joint pain stemming from tendinitis, inflammation and swelling, sprains and strains, and more. With so many millions of people experiencing joint pain, we see this problem every week at our office. Some common causes of joint pain include:
- Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Cancer (such as bone cancer)
- Hypothyroidism
- Leukemia
- Lupus
- Lyme disease
- Bursitis
- Dislocation
- Sprains and strains
- Tendinitis
This list is not exhaustive, as there are many causes of joint pain. Arthritis is the most common cause of joint pain. It is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the joints. Over 54.4 million American adults suffer just from arthritis alone, with one of the common symptoms being joint pain. That’s a lot of people in pain!
Joint Pain From Arthritis
Joint pain is most often a symptom of arthritis. There are over 100 different types of arthritis depending on what area of the body it’s in and how your joints are affected. In studies, it was found that joint pain is more common in women and those with poor health, heart disease, diabetes, and psychological distress. Obesity is also a factor for severe joint pain. ¼ of all adults with arthritis will experience pain in the joints and at least 27% will experience severe levels of pain. The two most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is also known as “degenerative joint disease” and is characterized by the wear and tear done to the joints. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic condition of the joints according to the Arthritis Foundation. With this condition, chronic pain is very common and your joints will feel stiff, especially in the morning, after resting or with physical activity. Why does arthritis cause pain in the joints? In normal, healthy joints, a sturdy rubbery material called cartilage covers the end of each bone between the joints. This provides a cushion for our bodies to stay comfortable as we move. With osteoarthritis, this cushion breaks down over time so that bone is hitting bone when you move, causing chronic pain, swelling, redness, stiffness and inflammation. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but you can relieve a lot of your symptoms with proper therapies.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
This is the second most common type of arthritis as well as the second most common reason for joint pain. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease. The body’s immune system malfunctions and perceives the joints as a foreign substance in the body. The immune system will attack your joints much like it does a virus or bacteria. This will cause inflammation that causes the tissues that line the joints to thicken, causing swelling and pain. A common sign of RA is joints that are large or bulging (joint deformity).
Tips to Remedy Your Symptoms
As with many ailments and conditions, there are common causes you should avoid to lower your risk for problems. Arthritis is generally caused by genetics, however weight, injury and overuse are also factors for developing it. Keep your body weight in a healthy range and exercise often to keep your body (and your joints) strong. Repetitive movements or injuries to the joints can ultimately develop osteoarthritis. Take care to change up your routine when you feel that your actions (such as at work) are becoming repetitive. One of the best actions you can take for yourself is to see a professional for your symptoms and get help through rehabilitative therapies.
Rehabilitative Therapies
The first part to rehabilitating the body is to give the body what it needs by improving your diet with healthy fats and nutrients. Getting enough rest is also key to helping the body function better. We have tests for food or environmental sensitivities to see if something in your routine is making your aches and pains worse. We also have treatments such as:
- Joint inflammation injections of cortisone to immediately relieve pain and inflammation
- Gentle manipulation through chiropractic care to restore proper body alignment
- Massage therapy to restore flexibility to a stiff wrist or knee
- Customized exercise programs that can lower irritation without further damaging your joints
Some causes of joint pain (such as arthritis) can’t be reversed. However, rehabilitative therapies can significantly improve your quality of life.
Relieve Your Pain Today
If you are unsure if your joint pains are just a sign of aging or if they are linked to a chronic condition, you can find out today. Call our Mile HIgh Spine & Pain Center at (720) 507-0080 and we can get you set up for your free consultation. Joint pain does not have to be a constant part of your life. Find relief for your pain today with rehabilitative therapies!