6 COMMON CAUSES OF JOINT PAIN AND HOW PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN HELP

Are you having trouble keeping up with the basic demands of your day job? Do you have more trouble getting around your home than you once did? Do you look for excuses to withdraw from some of your favorite activities simply because it hurts to move, or you’re worried about injuring yourself? You’re probably suffering from joint pain, and you’re not alone.



Joint pain can turn even the most routine tasks into dreaded chores, or make them totally impossible to perform at all. Although you might be worried, joint pain is not something you can put off until later. You need to address this issue before it gets so bad that you risk sustaining an injury. Fortunately, you can get much of the help you need through physical therapy. Our physical therapist can help you optimize your mobility without drugs or surgery, so contact us today!

CAUSES OF JOINT PAIN

If you’ve ever ruptured a joint ligament or fractured a bone in a joint, you’ve probably experienced a lot of pain that has kept you from leading a normal life. This is known as acute joint pain. But in some ways, chronic joint pain can be much more debilitating as it haunts you for month after month, and year after year.



This kind of joint pain is commonly caused or worsened by the following six conditions:

1. Rheumatoid arthritis – Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by abnormal immune system responses that attack the linings of joints, producing bouts of swelling, pain, stiffness, and joint damage.
2. Osteoarthritis – Osteoarthritis is a progressive, usually age-related degeneration of the cartilage that normally cushions a joint’s bone ends.
3. Degenerative disc disease – Age-related bulging discs, spinal stenosis, and other spinal changes can cause serious joint pain in the neck or back.
4. Musculoskeletal imbalances – If your muscles suffer from uneven development, you may be unable to sustain symmetrical posture. This can create muscle spasms and trigger points that refer pain to the joints.
5. Excess weight – The heavier you are, the more pressure your weight-bearing joints must withstand. These pressures can lead to premature joint deterioration and joint tissue strain.
6. Non-ergonomic working conditions – An improperly-positioned workstation or other awkward workplace arrangements can force your body into stressful, painful positions.

If you know for a fact you’re dealing with any of the abovementioned conditions or pain problems, it’s a good idea to see a physical therapist as soon as possible. If you aren’t sure whether or not any of them apply to you, a physical therapist can still help to determine what the underlying cause of your pain is.

PHYSICAL THERAPY CAN BATTLE YOUR PAIN

Surgery: Recovery from surgery can be painful and extensive. There’s always the chance of infection and sometimes surgery simply doesn’t produce the intended results. While surgery may be effective in some cases, it’s not without its drawbacks and should be used as a last resort.

Pain Medication: Prescription pain meds are sometimes used to treat knee and hip pain. Medication normally doesn’t solve the issue, but only temporarily reduces the pain. Medications, even over-the-counter meds, can be addictive and expensive.

SAY GOODBYE TO ACHING JOINTS…

Joint pain may feel like it runs your life, but it doesn’t have to. If you want to get your old routine back, it’s time to contact a professional. Call a physical therapist at our clinic today to learn more about how our customized treatment programs can help you get back to a normal, pain-free way of living. Call our office today!

SOURCES:

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350772
• https://www.moveforwardpt.com/resources/detail/exercise-to-improve-arthritis-pain-yes
• https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/pain-management/joint-protection/joint-health.php
• https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/pain-management/joint-protection/joint-health.php
• https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/natural/other-therapies/massage/massage-benefits.php
• https://www.aota.org/About-Occupational-Therapy/Patients-Clients/Adults/Arthritis.aspx