Joint pain – Causes, symptoms and treatment
Joints form a connection between bones. They are the reason why we are able to move because they aid in movement. Any form of pain or injury that happens to the joints can cause interference when it comes to movements. Read on to know what causes joint pain, especially the types of diseases that are responsible for the same.
In a month, a one-third of adults are normally reported to be suffering from joint pains. Joint pain can affect any part of the body. It could be your hands, feet, ankles or knees. They are normally managed by taking a type of medication that is specified to treating it, paying for physical therapy and exercises.
Types of joint pains
As we work hard to establish the causes of joint pain, it is also important that you get to know the different types of joint pains so that you are able to identify with the one that you might be experiencing.
Arthritis
Inflammation of the joints mostly causes arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a disease which is more prominent in obese individuals. The heavy body weakens the joints which causes joint pain.
Gout
This is the type of joint pain that takes place due to low rates of metabolism.
Signs and symptoms of joint pain
After understanding the different types of diseases of joint pain, you should now understand the signs and symptoms that cause joint pain. Some of the signs and symptoms to look out for when it comes to joint pain are as follows:
- Redness of joints
- Limping and dragging the foot
- Weakening of legs and knees
- Stiffness of bones
- Swelling of joints
- Tenderness of knees and other joints
- Imbalance and lack of movement
- Severe pain in the shoulder, neck, and ankle
Treatment option for joint pains
Once you are aware of what possibly causes joint pain, it is important to know some of the treatment options that you can go avail. The goal of taking yourself through treatment is to retain the functionality of the joints. Some of the treatments you can opt for and that can help provide you relief are:
- Timely medication
Depending on the level of joint pain that is being experienced, you can decide to get an over-the-counter prescription or an anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen or aspirin. These types of medicines can help relieve the joint pains, especially if the pain is moderate. Just ensure that the drugs that you take over-the-counter do not have any negative effects on the body. Make sure you consult the doctor before even consuming the medicines. - Over-the-counter drugs
Also, over-the-counter drugs would be ideal if the joint pain is not accompanied by any swelling. There are some other drugs that might cause drowsiness. It is important to consult your medical caregiver before you purchase such drugs, especially if you have any intentions of driving. - Topical agents
These are the substances that are found in chilies. This substance plays a big role in the release of joint pain, especially for those patients who are suffering from arthritis. It helps a lot in the release of chemicals that block the body from pain. You might experience a stinging effect on the areas where you have applied the same and that are open. - Injection
If the oral drugs do not work very well with you, a form of injection can be offered. This injection helps a lot in the removal of fluids in the joints. It can be taken for four months depending on the severity of the pain.
Diet for joint pains
The main diet for treating joint pains is eating foods such as broccoli, salmon, trout and anything that is rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Avoid the consumption of red meat, dairy products, citrus fruits, these food items may just aggravate the causes of joint pain. Make sure your diet includes high amounts of proteins. Food items like fish, chicken, eggs, beans, soy foods, nuts, and seeds are high in proteins. The deficiency of Vitamin C can be the cause joint pain. You must include strawberries, kiwi, pineapple, or cantaloupe in your diet. Calcium rich food such as orange juice, oatmeal, and breakfast cereal help in the improvement of bones.