There are no less than 68 different joints in our bodies, but experts arenât exactly sure of what causes many of the issues related to them. If you are interested in finding out what are some of the things that cause joint pain and how to treat it, read on.
 
Joints, also called articulations, are the areas where two or more bones meet. While most joints are mobile and provide range of motion to the bones, others are fixed or allow for little movement. Because the body is constantly using joints to move, they are susceptible to injuries, accidents, and infections.
What causes joint pain?
Researchers donât fully understand what causes joint pain. Some common joint problems include osteoarthritis (osteoarthritis), as well as arthritis pain (a common name for various joint diseases), with many factors potentially triggering this type of pain.
Some factors that can contribute to joint pain include metabolic diseases that cause inflammation (such as gout), infections that cause inflammation, degenerative diseases that damage joints from cartilage erosion, and more.
What does joint pain feel like?
While the type of pain varies according to the source of the problem, generally speaking, joint pain is typically accompanied by a movement limitation and a feeling of warmth in the painful area. In some situations, a joint disease also brings general fatigue.
How is joint pain diagnosed?
If you have joint pain, your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, their location, and their intensity. Your doctor will also perform a physical examination and, if necessary, order laboratory tests to detect infections or related diseases. X-rays can detect cartilage erosion. Another diagnostic procedure in the doctorâs âtoolboxâ is synovial joint acupuncture, which is done by pumping fluid out of the joint and examining it in the lab to make a diagnosis.
How long does joint pain last?
Joint pain from infections usually lasts a couple of months. In contrast, when a degenerative disease is causing the pain, it may become persistent (chronic). If you have an autoimmune disease such as lupus or arthritis, some medications can reduce the frequency of the pain.
Is joint pain life-threatening?
Contact your doctor immediately if your joint pain is accompanied by a fever, as this may indicate that the joint is infected. When joint infections are not treated in time, they may cause permanent injury or disability.
How is joint pain treated? Is there any advanced instrumentation that can help?
The appropriate treatment for your type of joint pain depends on what is causing it. Infections are usually treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and sometimes antibiotics. If your doctor believes itâs necessary, he will inject steroids into the affected area. Additionally, when your joint pain is caused by a disease (such as gouty arthritis), you will be given medication according to your condition. In the case of massive cartilage erosion, surgery can be performed to replace the joint (common operations include knee replacement surgery, for example). And of course, in some cases, physical therapy may be helpful (even when it comes to degenerative diseases).
Advanced joint pain relief technologies also come in the form of home appliances such as âOlynvolt⢠Pocket,â a lightweight, simple, and user-friendly device. How can I prevent joint pain in the future?
Exercising regularly is one of the best ways of preventing joint pain and degenerative joint conditions. Maintaining a proper body weight will also easy a lot of strain from your joints.
