One of the top reasons clients see Alex J. Nelson, MD and his team of expert providers is because of joint pain, and there are numerous potential causes. Peak Health and Wellness works with every patient in Northern Utah to create an approach to treatment that’s holistic and safe.
GET A PROPER DIAGNOSIS BEFORE TREATMENT FIRST
Treating any type of pain starts with a proper diagnosis. That’s why it’s important to trust medical professionals who take a comprehensive approach to pain management and have the skills and technology to offer a variety of tools and treatments.
A joint is part of your body where at least two bones meet. It allows the skeleton to move and includes the shoulders, hips, elbows, knees, and more. Joint pain is defined as any type of discomfort, soreness, or ache in the joints. It’s a very common complaint and usually doesn’t require visiting a hospital.
COMMON CAUSES OF JOIN PAIN
The most common cause of joint pain is arthritis, including osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). OA is most common for those over 40, and it progresses slowly over time. Around 1.5 million Americans suffer from RA, which happens when the immune system attacks the membrane lining of the joints.
There are also other causes of joint pain, like bursitis, which causes an inflammation of the pads near the joints. Lupus and gout can also cause joint pain, as can some infectious diseases like influenza, hepatitis, and mumps. Tendinitis, or inflammation in the tendon, can lead to joint pain, as can injuries. In rare cases, cancer can also present as joint pain.
INJURY INDUCED PAIN
However, for most people, joint pain is caused by either some type of arthritis or an injury. Injuries can include acute trauma, such as a weightlifting incident, or develop over time from overuse.
Joint pain is a symptom of several conditions ranging from fibromyalgia to rickets. Since there are so many potential causes—and treatments vary with each—it’s very important to only trust a doctor skilled in diagnosing and treating a wide range of joint pain causes.
Many times, joint pains don’t have physical symptoms you can see, but other times the joint might be swollen, tender, warm, or red.
Reduce Your Pain Today With Peak Health and Wellness
If pain persists over three days or is unbearable, it’s time to see a doctor. If you have joint pain in Cache, Box Elder, Davis, Weber, or Salt Lake counties call Peak Health today at (801) 689-3389 to schedule a consultation.