Joint Pain

What Causes Joint Pain?

The most common causes of chronic joint pain are:

• Osteoarthritis, a common type of arthritis, develops over time when cartilage wears down, causing pain and stiffness. Osteoarthritis develops slowly and usually appears at older ages.

• Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease that causes swelling and pain in the joints. The joints often become deformed, most commonly affecting the fingers and wrists.

• Injuries – trauma

• Tendinitis, such as shoulder tendinitis, is an inflammation of the tendons and usually occurs in the elbow and shoulder, caused by overuse.

How Is Joint Pain Treated? What Is the Treatment?

Sometimes pain may improve with the use of painkillers or by performing simple daily exercises. At other times, pain may indicate problems that can only be corrected with prescription medication, physiotherapy, or surgery. Simple home treatments, such as applying a heating pad or ice to the affected area, may be recommended in some cases.

Exercise can help restore strength and function, such as walking, swimming, or other low-intensity aerobic activities. In every case, you should consult your Orthopaedic Surgeon before starting any treatment, as each condition requires a different approach.

Which Joint Pain Symptoms Are Concerning?

Symptoms of joint pain range from mild to very severe and may include:

• Swelling

• Numbness

• Joint cracking sounds

• Painful movement

• Stiffness

• Loss of movement

If pain interferes with the patient’s normal daily activities, it is important to contact an Orthopaedic Surgeon for immediate diagnosis of the cause of pain and to begin treatment for relief and the maintenance of healthy, functional joints.

If you also suffer from joint pain, consult the specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Andreas Leonidou.