Joint pain

What is joint pain?

Joint pain refers to discomfort, aches, and soreness in any of the body's joints. This sensitive symptom often arises from joint inflammation due to conditions like arthritis, injuries, infections or mechanical stress from repetitive movements.

Common Causes

Major Symptoms

Over-the-counter pain medications and hot/cold compresses can temporarily relieve discomfort. However, the underlying cause needs diagnosis and treatment to resolve the pain. See your doctor if the pain persists over 2 weeks or significantly limits daily activities.

Diagnosis

To determine the cause, doctors assess medical history and conduct a physical exam of the painful joint. They may order blood tests or imaging scans like x-rays, CTs or MRIs to evaluate injuries, arthritis, infections, or other joint problems. Identifying the diagnosis is key for appropriate treatment.

Treatment Options

Conservative measures like rest, ice, compression and over-the-counter meds provide initial symptom relief. Further treatment targets the specific underlying culprit based on the diagnosis. Consistent care helps manage chronic joint conditions and prevent recurrent pain flares.

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