The Cause For Painful Joints May Not Be What You Think

by pesbo

Article by Frank Rodriguez

Painful joints can be one of the worst imaginable pains, especially when it deals with a joint that is used constantly, like a knee, elbow, or shoulder. With constant use you are reminded of the pain over and over again. It can even become so debilitating that it affects all areas of your life. The problem is if you don’t know what causes painful joints, how can you treat it?

In discerning the type and level of joint pain it has been described as being an uncomfortable or bothersome tenderness or swelling, a bruised feeling, or a restriction of movement, all the way to an excruciatingly sharp pain. All of these descriptors help in finding out what the real cause of the problem is. If you are over the age of 50 don’t assume that it is arthritis, because it may not be that at all.

Rheumatism, an inflammation to the joint, or Osteoarthritis, the degenerated cartilage and bone within the joint, is the most common diagnosis to the problem. Rheumatoid Arthritis or Septic Arthritis is another term you may have heard. Although this is a common diagnosis, don’t rule out any of the other possibilities, and make sure your doctor is aware of all possible causes.

Ligament, cartilage or bone injuries also account for a large amount of painful joint diagnoses. Sports, outdoor activities, and accidents are only some of the reasons for this type of injury. Contacting your physician is important to find out how bad the injury may be. Putting ice on the affected area will help to keep the swelling down for easier determination.

Rheumatic fever, mumps, chicken pox, hepatitis, and autoimmune diseases like Lupus and Rheumatoid arthritis all have an effect on joint pain. The common flu is another infectious disease that should be kept to minimal contact to reduce spreading. If any of these are left untreated they could produce more severe problems.

Gout is another condition, normally affecting the toes, feet and ankles, with sharp constant pains. This is usually a temporary condition. Being overweight has its toll on the muscles and joints as well. The added pressure adds to the pain and contributes to further injury. Changing the diet will help both of these conditions. More fruits and vegetables, water intake of at least 8 glasses per day, and a good strong exercise program will help to alleviate them both.

Determination of the cause of joint pain can be derived from some simple tests your physician can administer. With a thorough physical exam and clinical history, your doctor may suggest one or more of the following tests; X-rays, MRI, bone scans, and urine tests. All of these will help to find the cause and the right treatment for your condition.

After determining the cause of the pain, then you can arrive at the best treatment options. Some individuals have found success with joint pain supplements like Glucosamine. Your physician will be able to prescribe medications or recommend suitable joint pain supplements. With any illness, if the symptoms worsen, or are accompanied by headache, fever or chills, or upset stomach, your physician should be contacted right away. Figuring out the real cause is the key to getting rid of the problem.